A 15-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter after his friend was accidentally shot and killed while teens passed a firearm during a gathering, triggering renewed outrage over youth gun access in New York City.
At a Glance
- A 14‑year‑old boy was fatally shot in a Queens apartment while a group of teens were passing around a semi‑automatic pistol.
- The incident happened around 5 p.m. on June 25, 2025, inside the Norman Towers complex in Jamaica.
- Police arrested a 15‑year‑old suspect the next morning and charged him with manslaughter and criminal weapon possession.
- Investigators determined the shooting was accidental, dispelling earlier suggestions of self‑infliction.
- The fatal episode underscores ongoing concerns about juvenile gun possession in New York City.
Horrific Shooting in Queens Apartment
Shortly after 5 p.m. on June 25, police responded to reports of a shooting inside an apartment at the Norman Towers housing complex near 161st Street and 90th Avenue in Jamaica, Queens. A 14‑year‑old boy was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head and pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say a group of teens had gathered there and were passing around a semi‑automatic pistol when the weapon discharged. Initial police theories considered the possibility of self-harm, but further investigation confirmed the gunshot was unintentional and not self-inflicted, according to Gothamist.
Watch a report: 14‑Year‑Old Boy Found Shot to Death Inside Queens Home
Arrest and Criminal Charges Filed
The following morning, police arrested a 15‑year‑old in connection with the shooting. He was charged with manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon. According to the NYPD, a semi‑automatic pistol was recovered at the scene, and the victim’s friend placed the initial 911 call.
Officials told Gothamist that the gun discharged during what appeared to be mishandling as it was passed between the teens. Investigators have ruled the shooting accidental, though the suspect is now facing serious felony charges due to the inherent danger posed by the weapon’s presence.
Policy Scrutiny and Community Alarm
The fatal incident has ignited renewed concern over how easily New York City youth are accessing deadly firearms. Local leaders and advocates say this case underscores urgent gaps in weapon security and juvenile oversight, particularly in public housing areas.
The tragedy follows other recent teen gun incidents citywide, deepening fears about a broader pattern of gun mishandling among minors. Critics argue that current enforcement and intervention mechanisms are insufficient. Calls are mounting for more robust community programs, tighter household gun storage mandates, and proactive educational outreach.
As the charged teen prepares to face arraignment, the broader conversation is shifting toward prevention—how to stop guns from circulating among children before more lives are lost.
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Author: Editor
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