On New Year’s Eve 2016, 13-year-old Shamoya McKenzie was fatally wounded in Mount Vernon, New York. Shamoya was a passenger in her mother’s car returning from basketball practice at about 2:30 p.m. when a stray bullet struck her in the head. The wound proved fatal; she was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead.

Investigators tied the shooting to a daytime, gang-related dispute between the Goonies and a rival crew. Prosecutors say members of the Goonies fired multiple shots while attempting to kill a rival; that intended target survived with gunshot wounds, while one of the rounds entered the car carrying Shamoya. Authorities arrested 21-year-old David Hardy and charged him with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Three other men — Marquis Collier, Jermaine Hughley, and Sincere Savoy — were also implicated and charged in connection with the case.

Shamoya had been a promising basketball player who aspired to play for UConn and in the WNBA. Her family and community continue to grieve. If anyone knew Shamoya or has information about the shooting, please share what can help the investigation.