Jeremiah Alford was 12 when he died in Elmira, New York, on Saturday, July 30, 2016. Authorities responded that day to a report of suspicious activity and found Jeremiah’s body. Investigators determined the death resulted from a gunshot inflicted when another person in the room was handling what they believed was an unloaded firearm; the weapon was actually loaded and discharged, killing the boy.

Two juveniles were later reported to be facing a gun charge in connection with Jeremiah’s death. Family and community members remembered him as a loving, caring child with a bright future. The circumstances raise persistent questions about firearm safety and supervision in the home.

If anyone knew Jeremiah or has information about the events that led to that July day, please come forward.