A Bronx community is grieving after a teenager was shot and killed over the weekend—just one day after city leaders announced record-low shooting numbers across New York City.
Officers found Aitken in a seventh-floor stairwell and rushed him to the hospital, but he did not survive. A second victim—a 14-year-old boy—was also shot in the incident and is expected to recover.
At the vigil, community members and outreach leaders urged residents to put the guns down and work together to prevent further violence. One speaker emphasized that lasting change must begin within the community itself.
Investigators are now searching for six men neighbors say were seen running from the scene.
Another vigil was held just blocks away for a 4-year-old girl found dead inside her home. Police say they are still investigating what led to both deaths during the holiday weekend.