A 14-year-old boy dies after a targeted attack in broad daylight, leaving his family reeling.
The brazen murder took place Tuesday in East Harlem, New York. The victim, Justin Streeter, had moved to Plainfield, New Jersey, with his family two years ago but was in the area visiting his grandparents. On that fateful afternoon, at around 4:00 p.m., the teen and a friend walked to a local store near the corner of East 128th Street and Park Avenue. As they were leaving, authorities say a gunman approached them and opened fire. Streeter was struck in the head and pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital. His friend sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is expected to survive.
The unidentified suspect was seen fleeing the scene wearing a gray sweatshirt and blue jeans. Seven shell casings were found at the location of the murder.
His devastated father, Damon Streeter, says that even with him relocating their family for a better life, he feels he let his son down.
“So I feel I failed. I feel I failed because the same thing I got him away from is what took his life,” Damon told CBS2.
As of now, investigators believe the attack was targeted but are not ruling out mistaken identity. Streeter was not a known gang member and had no known enemies. His grandmother described him as a good kid gearing up to begin high school soon.
The NYPD is pleading with the community to come forward with information.
