By: Tracie Carter
Authorities have charged two juveniles in connection with the June shooting death of a 16-year-old Camden boy, according to a joint announcement by Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez.
On June 6, 2025, at approximately 12:35 p.m., Camden County Police officers responded to a home in the 1500 block of Thorn Street following a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers found 16-year-old Xyere Brooks suffering from a gunshot wound inside the residence. He was rushed to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 2:15 p.m.
Investigators discovered that multiple juveniles were present in the home at the time of the incident. Detectives later determined that a 16-year-old male from Camden had brought a firearm into the house.
A 12-year-old girl from Wilmington, Delaware, was allegedly handling the weapon when it was recklessly discharged, fatally striking Brooks.
Both juveniles surrendered to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office on July 1, 2025.
The 12-year-old was charged with second-degree Manslaughter and second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
The 16-year-old was charged with second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
The court released both juveniles with conditions pending their next scheduled court appearance on July 23, 2025.