BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A 14-year-old girl was killed in a mass shooting that injured five other teenagers, ages 14 to 16, late Saturday night in Buffalo.
According to Buffalo police, the six victims were shot in a parking lot behind the Neighborhood Housing Services of South Buffalo on Alexander Place.
Officers were initially called to the area of 1500 Jefferson Avenue at about 10:20 p.m. for noise complaints and reports of a fight at a large house party with several hundred in attendance.
Police then responded to a shots fired call in the same area at 11:10 p.m., followed by reports of a person shot approximately eight minutes later.
The female victim, identified as Jazzmine Fomby, was taken to Oishei Children's Hospital, where she later died. She was a student at a Buffalo charter school.
A family member of that girl shared how they hope everybody remembers her:
“She was an outgoing, funny, and outspoken person. Her smile would light up a whole room! If she was sad, you could tell. If she was happy, you could tell. If she was excited, you could tell. One of the best football players in little league I’ve seen. She would dust all the boys in races on the team. She was loved, she was adored, she was the best!”
Police said a 15-year-old boy is in critical but stable condition at ECMC and hospital officials said he is on his way to recovery. Two 15-year-old boys and a 16-year-old girl have been treated and released from ECMC.
As of Monday morning, the shooter has not yet been arrested. Mayor Byron Brown and Buffalo Police shared a strong message over the weekend (watch below) for that person still at large.
“Shooter or shooters involved in this, consider turning yourself in,” Mayor Brown said. “If you have any conscious or any remorse that you killed a 14-year-old girl, you should contact the Buffalo Police and turn yourself in.”
“You should consider turning yourself in,” deputy police commissioner Al Wright said. “We won’t rest until the individual or individuals are in custody for this senseless tragedy.”
Crime Stoppers WNY is now offering a $7,500 cash reward for information leading to an arrest or indictment of the person responsible for the shooting.
7 News reporter Derek Heid went back to the neighborhood where this happened Sunday afternoon.
He did speak with several people in the neighborhood who say their hearts break for this family, but they said that they don’t feel safe speaking on camera with the shooter still at large.
As Masten District Council Woman and a mother impacted by gun violence, my heart is heavy for my community this morning.
— Zeneta Everhart (@CouncilWomanZE) May 5, 2024
Approaching two years of the racially motivated massacre on 5/14, we're still grappling with gun violence. There are no words. pic.twitter.com/sV3NigVPQF
Anyone with information, pictures, or videos is asked to call or text the confidential tipline at (716) 847-2255.
