A 12-year-old girl is among two juveniles facing charges related to the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy in Camden, according to officials.
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office says the shooting happened on June 6 on the 1500 block of Thorne Street. The office says 16-year-old Xyere Brooks was found inside the house suffering from gunshot wounds. He died just under two hours later.
Officials determined that another 16-year-old boy brought a gun into the Thorne Street house. They say that a 12-year-old girl from Wilmington, Delaware, was handling the gun and “recklessly discharged the weapon,” striking Brooks.
The 12-year-old and 16-year-old both surrendered to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office on July 1. The 12-year-old was charged with second-degree manslaughter and second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. The 16-year-old was charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
Brooks was a sophomore at KIPP Cooper Norcross High School and played on the school’s football team.
“Xyere was a supportive teammate and friend, a dedicated student, and a standout on the football field whose talent and determination left a strong impression on all who knew him,” school officials wrote in a social media post soon after Brooks’ death.
Both juveniles were released pending their next court date in late July, according to officials.