A 15 year-old male is charged with the fatal shooting of a 16 year-old male on June 15, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.
On June 15, at 11:50 p.m., Atlantic City Police patrol officers responded to the 1000 block of Arctic Avenue for a ShotSpotter alert, according to officials. Arriving officers located a 16 year-old gunshot victim.
The victim, of Atlantic City, was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division, with serious injuries, reports say.
Police say that on June 19, a 15 year- old juvenile male—also of Atlantic City— was arrested following the investigation into the shooting. The Atlantic City Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit detectives identified and charged the shooting suspect.
On June 19, the juvenile turned himself in to Atlantic City Police detectives at the Clayton G. Graham Public Safety Building, police say.
The 15 year-old male was initially charged with Attempted Murder, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, according to officials.
Reports say that on Tuesday June 25, the 16 year-old shooting victim died at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia.
“Gun violence is a tragic reality in our society. However, when it effects our youth we sustain an incalculable loss of human potential. My only question is: when will someone from our community stand up enough to give a damn?” Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner said.
Also on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, charges against the 15 year-old male were upgraded to Murder, following further investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, in cooperation with the Atlantic Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, officials say.
The 15 year-old male who is charged with the fatal shooting remains lodged at the Harborfields Detention Facility.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Janet Gravetz represents the state in this matter.