A 14-year-old boy who was shot in New Haven on Sunday night has died, according to officials.
Police responded to Bassett Street, near Newhall Street, around 9:30 p.m. for reports of a shooting and found the victim, Tyrick Keyes, of New Haven. They said that it appears he was targeted.
“Tragically, gun violence has claimed the life of another city resident; this time the sadness we all feel is compounded by the youthful age of the victim,” Mayor Toni Harp said. “On behalf of all city residents I mourn with his family, I praise the first responders and hospital staff who tried to save his life, I condemn the casual use and glut of these guns, and I appreciate the ongoing efforts of the police department in its continuing investigation.”
Tyriek, the youngest of five children, was supposed to start high school in the fall.
“This young student had just completed 8th grade at Fair Haven – the entire school community is heartbroken by these tragic circumstances,” New Haven Public Schools interim Superintendent Dr. Reginald Mayo said. “School and district staff have been in constant contact with the family since the shooting and the district’s Youth and Family Services Division, trauma team, and community partners remain available to support students and staff affected by the tragedy.”
The victim was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he was in critical condition. He died early Thursday morning, according to police.
Authorities originally said the shooter was a passenger in a white Toyota sedan, or possibly a Nissan Altima, and he was wearing a white shirt, "Jordan" sneakers and a black face mask. Later, police said the shooting was not a drive-by assault and witness reports said the shooter was a passenger in a white crossover vehicle.
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Detectives from the department’s major crimes division and bureau of investigation are investigating.
Tyriek’s mother said she wants the shooter to come forward.
“I want them to really pay for what they did to my child, and if you had a heart you would turn yourself in,” she said.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call New Haven police.