The latest gun violence incident claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy. What’s even more heartbreaking is who the alleged shooter was.
Sunday morning, the preteen was hanging out with his cousin, 14-year-old Jasai Guy, who he was visiting for the weekend at his grandparent’s home in Brownsville, per AMNY. People in the neighborhood knew Jasai as the “popular kid” who played basketball, stayed in his books and stayed out of trouble, per The New York Post.
Police said Jasai’s grandfather was resting in the next room after taking some sleeping pills. At some point, the two located a firearm. Police said they believe it belonged to the teen’s father who was a firefighter with the New York City Fire Department and happened to be on vacation at the time.
Upon toying with the weapon, it discharged and struck Jasai in the chest.
“I shot my cousin by accident, I don’t want him to die,” a 12-year-old boy to officers responding to a call of shots fired at a Brooklyn housing project. “I didn’t meant to do it.”
When police and paramedics arrived to the Howard Houses on Osbron St., they rushed Jasai to Brookdale University Hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries.
Police said they’re investigating whether the gun was legally obtained in the first place, though it appeared the gun was stored in Jasai’s father’s room.
The preteen, who has not been named by authorities because of his age, was arrested following his heartbreaking confession to the cops that he’d shot his cousin. He was charged with manslaughter, criminal possession of a weapon and criminally negligent homicide.
A source from the 73rd Precinct told The Root they could not confirm whether the boy will be charged as an adult or a juvenile due to case restrictions. He was released into the custody of his mother until his next court appearance, per the NY Daily News.