A tragic incident unfolded in the Bronx as a second 13-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Daoud Marji. The young teen was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. This arrest comes just days after Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch highlighted the surge in youth violence in the city.
The arrest took place at LaGuardia Airport, where the NYPD’s Warrants Squad apprehended the teenager as he arrived on a flight from Miami. The previous week, another 13-year-old boy had surrendered to authorities in relation to the same shooting, facing similar charges. Daoud, a plumber’s apprentice from Yonkers, was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire, not the intended target of the gunfire.
Daoud was meeting a friend from Detroit at University Avenue and West Kingsbridge Road when the tragic incident occurred. Despite being rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. His father had warned him against traveling to the Bronx due to safety concerns in the area.
In another incident, a 15-year-old boy was shot and injured in the Bronx. The teenager sustained a gunshot wound to his right thigh and was taken to Harlem Hospital in stable condition. The violence escalated further when two 17-year-old boys were shot in the Bronx, seemingly by stray bullets. Both victims were taken to Columbia University Irving Medical Center for treatment.
The surge in youth violence in New York City has been alarming, with statistics showing a significant increase in underage individuals carrying guns and being involved in shootings. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch attributed this rise to the state’s “Raise the Age” law, which has led to a 136% increase in kids under 18 caught with guns between 2018 and 2024. Additionally, the number of underage shooters and juvenile victims of gun violence has seen a sharp increase.
The recent incidents underscore the urgent need for addressing youth violence and implementing strategies to ensure the safety of all residents in the city. Authorities continue to investigate these cases and work towards creating a safer environment for the community.
