Matthew DeGroat, an 11-year-old boy from Newburgh, New York, was shot and killed inside his family’s home on North Miller Street on the morning of October 9, 2025. Police arrived about 8:17 a.m., found Matthew and recovered a handgun at the scene. Investigators determined the wound was not self-inflicted.

A 13-year-old boy known to Matthew was arrested the next day and charged with second-degree murder; because he is a minor his identity has not been released. Authorities say the firearm reportedly belonged to the 13-year-old. He has pleaded not guilty and faces additional charges of tampering with physical evidence and menacing; a judge denied bail and he is being held at a juvenile facility. The defense has requested a more thorough investigation.

Matthew’s family described him as kind, respectful, outgoing, active in his church and the Middletown youth football program, and thanked the community and law enforcement for their support. The shooting has intensified local concern about youth gun violence. If anyone knew Matthew, the circumstances of that morning, or has information about this case, please come forward.