Tragedy struck Staten Island last week when 13-year-old Jamoure Harrell was fatally shot in the head while playing basketball at Rev. Dr. Maggie Howard Playground. The incident occurred around 3:55 p.m. on Friday as shots rang out, leaving the young teen lifeless.
Jamoure attempted to flee as the shooter fired three times. Medics rushed him to Richmond University Medical Center, where he was diagnosed as brain-dead over the weekend.
The victim attended Eagle Academy for Young Men, an eighth-grade student at the Clifton middle school. The school is located near the playground, a popular hangout spot for students after class.
Authorities believe the shooting was premeditated. Police have identified a potential suspect, though no arrests have been made. Jamoure lived in South Beach, about two miles from the crime scene.
A witness alleged there were two masked gunmen who emerged from a nearby apartment building before firing at the teen. Friends of Jamoure described him as a well-liked, friendly, and a dedicated basketball player.
Sadly, this marks the second recent teenage death resulting from gun violence. On May 10, Claudia Quaatey was shot while sitting in a car outside of Jackie Robinson School in St. Albans, Queens. She passed away on Monday, leaving behind dreams of becoming a nurse.
Like Jamoure's case, no arrests have been made in connection with Quaatey's death. The community continues to grieve the senseless loss of these young lives.
