7-year-old boy dies after being shot while playing outside his apartment during an argument between two men which escalated to gunfire; arrests made
North Carolina – In a disturbing incident in North Carolina, a 7-year-old boy, identified as M. Jenkins, was fatally wounded by a stray bullet while playing outside his apartment complex during an altercation between two men.
Police have charged two men in connection with the shooting. T. Armstrong, 18, faces charges of attempted murder and discharging a weapon into an occupied building. K. Crosby, 21, has been charged with accessory after the fact. Authorities say the charges stem from an argument between Armstrong and Crosby that escalated into gunfire. During the altercation, shots were fired, and one of the bullets critically injured Jenkins as he sat outside his apartment.
Both men are being held without bond pending a hearing on Monday, according to jail records. Just after 1 a.m. on Sunday, the police department confirmed Jenkins’ passing. In a heartfelt statement, they expressed their deepest sympathies and commitment to justice:
“On Thursday night, a 7-year-old little boy, sitting outside his apartment, was senselessly shot as a bystander. Today, we learned that his injuries were too severe to survive, and he died this morning. Our deepest sympathies are with the family and everyone affected by this act of violence. We share the heartbreak of this news along with our community. As your police department, we are committed to holding those responsible for this crime accountable, and the investigation to gather every available fact is ongoing. Our community needs every person who saw what happened to step forward, do what’s right, and contact the police department. Our hearts are with the family, and we promise to do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.”
The community is reeling from the tragedy, with many calling for an end to gun violence. Neighbors and local residents are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation. Jenkins’s mother spoke about her son’s untimely death and her desire for justice. “I just want justice for my baby,” she told news outlets. “He was a sweet, precious little baby, you know, just happy-go-lucky. He was just very loving. That was my baby, just taken way too soon.”
Neighbors held a vigil for Jenkins on Sunday. Despite having lived in the apartment complex for only four months, Jenkins had quickly become a cherished member of the community. Friends and neighbors remembered Jenkins as a friend to everyone he met. The community is not only mourning his loss but also rallying together to support his family during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, police have urged anyone with information about the case to contact them. “Our community needs every person who saw what happened to step forward, do what’s right, and contact the police department,” their statement emphasized.
Armstrong and Crosby remain in custody without bond. They are scheduled for a hearing on Monday, where more details about the case may emerge. The charges against them could be updated in light of Jenkins’ death. In the wake of this tragedy, the victim’s family has started a GoFundMe campaign to support his mother and his two siblings. The community is coming together to offer financial assistance and emotional support to help them navigate this heartbreaking time.
