A Friday evening family gathering in Buffalo, New York took a devastating turn on June 21, 2024, as a three-year-old boy was fatally shot, and his seven-year-old sister injured. The horrific incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m.
Ramone Carter was tragically killed while riding his tricycle, accompanied by his sister, Jamia Griffin, at a family event. Local news outlets have reported that the siblings were not the intended targets of the shooting.
Ramone was swiftly transported to the Erie County Medical Center by police, where he was sadly declared dead. His sister, Jamia, also wounded in the incident, is anticipated to make a full recovery. “I’m heartbroken today,” Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said in a statement, drawing attention to the increasing problem of illegal firearms in the city.
At a press conference, Mayor Brown painted a chilling picture of the incident: “A three-year-old boy was enjoying a summer evening with his family, riding his tricycle with his seven-year-old sister beside him, when suddenly, gunfire broke out, hitting both children.”
Two teenagers, each armed with a firearm, have been arrested and charged in relation to the shooting. According to Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane, the teenagers, aged 14 and 16, have been indicted on charges of murder, attempted murder, assault, and weapons possession.
Due to their young age, the identities of the accused have not been disclosed. “Babies killing babies,” Mayor Brown remarked as he announced the charges, indicating that the suspects had been aiming at another person when the children were mistakenly caught in the crossfire.
In a poignant account, Shakenya Griffin, the mother of the victims, recalled the horrifying moments following the shooting. “He ran right to me, and he was full of blood,” she shared with the press. “I crumpled onto my neighbor’s yard and screamed for someone to call 911.” Her grief-stricken words reflect a community grappling with the senseless violence.
Martina Carter, the eldest sister of Ramone, remembered him as an “amazing kid” who “didn’t harm anyone.” She stated, “I could never have imagined that a three-year-old playing outside at a graduation party would be caught in a crossfire, shot, and killed.”
The community of Buffalo has shown tremendous support for the grieving family, expressing their sympathy and urging an end to the recurring violence in the city.
Pledging to intensify efforts to curb the spread of illegal firearms, Mayor Brown and other city officials have confirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of all Buffalo residents.
