Hours after the deadly stray bullet shooting of Bronx schoolgirl Evette Jeffrey outside of Bronx Career and College Preparatory High School, another young female student in the area made a striking comment about life in the borough. Rhiny, the student, expressed her fear, saying, “We live in the Bronx. It’s scary everywhere we go,” in response to the recent shootings that have plagued the community.
Tragically, 16-year-old Evette Jeffrey lost her life on May 12 during a schoolyard fight when a boy two years younger than her opened fire. Just two nights later, another teenager was wounded by a stray bullet while walking with his mother near 2244 Williamsbridge Road, according to NYPD sources. The violence continued on May 18 when 57-year-old Kevin Jennings was fatally shot while sitting on his walker along East 188th Street and Marion Avenue in Fordham Heights.
Despite a decrease in overall gunfire this year, with 90 shooting incidents and 105 victims in the Bronx, the impact of these incidents on families is immeasurable. The community, while well-meaning, feels “held hostage” by the violent actors in their midst, according to Jose Sanchez, Evette Jeffrey’s uncle. The Bronx, often associated with negative stereotypes, is home to hardworking individuals who are unfortunately forced to live with the constant threat of deadly shootings.
Teen involvement in gun violence has seen a troubling increase, with a 200% rise in Bronx shooting victims under 18 years old in 2024 compared to 2018. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch attributes this spike to the raise the age law, which has also led to a 233% surge in shooters under 18. Sanchez expressed his fear of the growing number of teen shooters, emphasizing their inability to make sound decisions due to their age and lack of maturity.
In response to the surge in violence, Bronx residents have called for increased police patrols and more youth programming. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson has joined the chorus, advocating for real alternatives and access to opportunities for young people to deter them from harm’s way. The recent death of Evette Jeffrey has sparked a demand for action, with many community members mourning the loss of young lives caught in the crossfire.
NYPD Deputy Chief of Patrol Borough Bronx Osvaldo Nunez acknowledges the public’s concerns and assures that steps are being taken to address the issue. The recent deployment of 238 new police officers to the Bronx signifies a commitment to increasing NYPD presence and ensuring the safety of residents. While the fear of gun violence persists, Nunez highlights the effectiveness of zone-based policing in targeting specific areas of concern rather than painting the entire Bronx as a dangerous zone.
In the face of tragedy and rising violence, the Bronx community stands united in their call for action and support for those affected by senseless acts of violence. While progress has been made in reducing overall gunfire incidents, the impact on families and individuals remains a pressing concern that requires ongoing attention and intervention. The Bronx, often misunderstood and misrepresented, is a community filled with resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
