Shantasia O’Brian was 17 when she was fatally shot while sitting in a car in Laurelton, Queens on Friday, September 2, 2022 — one day before her 18th birthday. She was a college freshman who had planned birthday activities that day and was riding in the passenger seat with her boyfriend; his 15-year-old brother was in the back seat.

Emergency responders took her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The 15-year-old reportedly discarded the weapon before rejoining the vehicle and was later arrested on charges including manslaughter, criminal possession of a weapon, and tampering with physical evidence; his name was not released because of his age.

The family described deep grief and frustration over the loss of a young life on the eve of a milestone. If anyone has information about what happened that afternoon in Laurelton, please come forward.