Thirteen-year-old shot dead in New York gang attack

Police believe the boy was the intended target

Jaryan Elliot was killed outside Angels Cafe in the Bronx (ABC7-NY)

A 13-year-old boy has been shot and killed in the latest outbreak of gun violence in New York City this weekend.

The victim, Jaryan Elliot, was attacked outside a Bronx cafe close to his home on Sunday afternoon.

According to the New York Times, Elliot was standing outside Angels Cafe when a gunman drove up in a dark car, got out, and shot him in the chest and the leg. About eight rounds were fired, according to witnesses.

A cafe worker said: “He came in, fell and died in the restaurant. We didn’t see what happened, though.”

Police officials say the killing was gang-related, and believe Elliot was the intended target of the shooting. The person he was standing with was not shot.

Officials expressed shock at the violence, particularly at the victim’s young age.

City Councilman Oswald J Feliz tweeted:’ A 13 year old ... We have to get serious and smarter on crime! We cannot and will not continue to lose our children!’

A 13 year old. Will be meeting with local leaders and the NYPD this week to discuss the rising crime we’re seeing. We have to get serious and smarter on crime! We cannot and will not continue to lose our children!https://t.co/bDWAeO9Ua5

— Oswald Feliz (@OswaldFeliz) July 11, 2021

He told the New York Times: “People are very very concerned about crime in their neighbourhoods. Crime is rising.”

According to the NYPD’s crime figures, there have been 765 shooting incidents so far this year, with 886 shooting victims.

Chief Rodney Harrison, the chief of department of the New York Police Department, tweeted: “Gang violence is plaguing #NYC and has to stop.” He went on to ask anyone with information on the shooter to come forward.

Anyone with information on the identity of the person responsible is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS.

Gang violence is plaguing #NYC and has to stop.

— Chief Rodney Harrison (@NYPDChiefOfDept) July 12, 2021

A memorial was set up outside the building where the victim lived, with candles arranged in the shape of his initials – JE –  and handwritten notes of condolence.

Richie Madera, 20, told the New York Times he had grown up with Elliot and spoken to him shortly before the shooting. “I told him, ‘Be safe,’”  he said. “He was a good kid.”

So far, no arrests have been made and the shooting is still being investigated.