NEW YORK – A 13-year-old boy shot in the head earlier this week while walking to school in Queens has died from his injuries, authorities confirmed Friday. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting an intense police investigation.
Michael Rodriguez, a student at Springfield Gardens Middle School, was critically wounded on Monday morning, September 22, near the intersection of 180th Street and 147th Avenue. Emergency services responded to the scene shortly after 8:00 AM, finding the teenager with a gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in critical condition, where he remained on life support for several days.
Doctors pronounced Michael deceased on Thursday evening, September 25, just before 7:00 PM. The New York City Police Department has reclassified the case as a homicide.
Investigation Underway
According to preliminary reports from the NYPD, Michael was walking alone to school when the shooting occurred. Witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and appealing to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest.
“This is an unspeakable tragedy, a senseless act of violence that has claimed the life of a young boy with his entire future ahead of him,” stated NYPD Chief of Detectives, James O’Neil, in a press conference Friday morning. “Our investigators are working around the clock to identify the individual or individuals responsible for this heinous crime. We will not rest until justice is served for Michael and his family.”
Authorities have not yet identified a motive for the shooting, nor have they publicly named any suspects. Police have indicated that there is no immediate evidence to suggest Michael was involved in any illicit activities, reinforcing the belief that the attack may have been random or a case of mistaken identity.
Community Mourns
News of Michael’s death has cast a pall over the Springfield Gardens neighborhood. Grieving classmates and teachers at his middle school were met with counselors and support staff on Friday. A makeshift memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes has grown at the shooting site, reflecting the community’s sorrow and anger.
“Michael was a quiet, respectful kid who loved basketball,” said Maria Sanchez, a neighbor and family friend. “He was just walking to school, like any other day. How can something like this happen in broad daylight? Our community is heartbroken and fearful.”
Local community leaders and elected officials have joined calls for increased vigilance and support for the Rodriguez family. They have also urged anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward and assist law enforcement.
The NYPD has asked anyone with information to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
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