The mother of a 15-year-old boy who was fatally shot in Brooklyn expressed her grief and frustration with the rising youth violence in the city. Tristan Sanders, an only child who had just started high school, was tragically killed in Crown Heights. His devastated mother, Shanae Sanders, described him as a good and happy kid who loved music, basketball, and family.
Shanae Sanders recalled her last moments with Tristan before he was shot, expressing her love for him. She recounted the heart-wrenching experience of learning about his death and visiting him at the hospital where he passed away from his injuries.
The family is struggling to cope with Tristan’s death, with his aunt, Taniqua Quashie, emphasizing the need for justice and expressing shock over the tragedy. They described Tristan as a beloved member of the family who was looking forward to playing basketball and growing taller.
The recent surge in violence targeting teens in the city has left the family and community reeling. Other teens, including 16-year-old Taearion Mungo and 15-year-old Malachi Deberry, have also been victims of fatal shootings. The motives behind these killings are still under investigation, with some believed to be gang-related.
The community is calling for action from city officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, to address the root causes of youth violence and prevent further tragedies. Despite the pain and emptiness left by Tristan’s death, his family is determined to seek justice and honor his memory.
The implementation of the Raise the Age act has not succeeded in deterring juveniles from committing serious crimes. Instead of protecting the youth, the law is actually causing harm.
One individual expressed their frustration, stating, “By decriminalizing offenses for juveniles, you are essentially allowing them to put themselves in dangerous situations.”
According to the NYPD, a total of 1,827 individuals under the age of 18 were victims of felony assaults in the city up to Sept. 30 of this year. This number has increased from 1,709 victims during the same period in 2023.
On a positive note, the number of murders among minors has decreased, with 17 individuals killed in the city through Sept. 30, compared to 27 during the same period last year.
