Brooklyn mother continues plea for justice as 14-year-old son's cold case reaches 14 years
It was June 27, 2012, when police said the teenager was shot near Evergreen Avenue and Cornelia Street.
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This weekend marks 14 years since 14-year-old Akeal Christopher was shot in the head in Bushwick and later died.
“I cannot believe it’s 14 years,” said Natasha Christopher, the victim’s mother. “For me, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss Akeal.”
Natasha spent the past 5,112 days searching for justice – and no arrests have been made.
“I get up every day longing for [my son], wanting him to be here,” said Natasha.
It was June 27, 2012, when police said the teenager was shot near Evergreen Avenue and Cornelia Street.
Investigators previously told News 12 that Akeal was on his way home from a graduation party, when he was part of a group that got into a dispute with alleged gang members who were about the same age.
Akeal, who was the only victim, spent two weeks in the hospital.
“Then on July 10, he died on his 15th birthday; and that’s when my whole entire life changed,” said Natasha.
Following the shooting, officers handed out Crime Stopper flyers with information about the shooting, but it remains a cold case.
An NYPD spokesperson told News 12 on Friday that the investigation is ongoing.
The street corner where the shooting happened was named in Akeal’s honor in 2024.
Meanwhile, Natasha is turning her pain into purpose. She’s part of a nonprofit called E.N.O.U.G.H., which provides support to families impacted by gun violence.
“I’m still able to help other families,” said Natasha. “I’m still able to make an impact in the community.”
And as Natasha helps other families, she’s still pleading for someone to come forward and help hers.
“It’s okay to do the right thing,” said Natasha. “If someone saw something, say something. Please give me and my family the closure that we deserve.”
