What began as a fun and harmless water fight in a Bronx park turned into a devastating tragedy when 17-year-old Darrell Harris was shot and killed. This horrific event marks the second time a family has lost a son to gun violence, leaving the community and the family in shock and mourning.
The Incident at Starlight Park
On a hot summer evening, around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, Darrell was enjoying a water gun fight with friends at Starlight Park, near Sheridan Boulevard and East 173rd Street. The group of teens had gathered to cool off during a heatwave, using water guns for fun. However, the light-hearted fun quickly turned deadly.
Witnesses reported that Darrell asked repeatedly for someone to stop shooting him with water. In response, the shooter pulled out a real gun and shot Darrell in the head and arm. He was rushed to Jacobi Hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries.
Darrell’s Background and the Pain of Losing Another Son
Darrell’s mother, Kellie Lewis, shared her heartache with ABC 7, revealing that her son was a quiet, reserved child who didn’t often go outside. He was about to begin his senior year at Bronx Leadership Academy when his life was tragically cut short.
This heartbreaking incident comes only a few years after the family lost Darrell’s older brother, Jamal Hunter, to a shooting in 2021. Jamal’s killer was arrested and convicted, but the pain of losing two children to gun violence has left an indelible scar on the family.
“I’ve been through this already with my oldest son,” said Kellie Lewis. “Now, I have to make sure my other children are well.” She emphasized the toll that these tragic losses have taken on the entire family, urging others to consider the impact of gun violence on families and communities.
The Ongoing Investigation
The NYPD is still investigating the shooting, but as of now, no arrests have been made. Authorities are continuing to search for the shooter, who fled the scene after opening fire. The senselessness of the attack has left many in the community deeply shaken, and people are calling for justice.
The Growing Concern of Gun Violence
According to the NYPD, shootings involving victims under the age of 18 have surged by 133% since 2018. This rise in gun violence is a troubling trend that has left many parents and community members worried for the safety of young people in their neighborhoods.
Darrell’s tragic death is a reminder of the severe consequences of gun violence, especially for innocent teens.
Darrell Harris’s death marks another devastating loss for his family, who are now mourning the death of a second son to gun violence. His mother, Kellie Lewis, is left to cope with the unimaginable pain of losing both her sons, and her words highlight the emotional toll that these tragedies have on families.
The shooting also highlights the ongoing concerns about the increasing violence among young people, and the need for greater safety and intervention in communities affected by gun violence.
