A 13-year-old boy in Maryland died after he was shot in the head while raking leaves in his front yard, and authorities don't have a suspect or motive for his killing.
On Friday (November 11), Jayz Agnew, 13, died in a hospital three days after the shooting, his mother, Juanita Agnew, said per the New York Post. Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy also confirmed that Jayz succumbed to his injuries.
“I’ve seen gun violence before and I’ve seen where other mothers go through this, but it doesn’t hurt until you really are the one that’s getting that kind of call,” Juanita said.
Jayz was doing yardwork in front of his Washington, D.C. home last week when an unknown suspect opened fire, with one of the bullets striking the eighth-grade student in the head. According to the Post, nearby neighbors said they heard between five and seven gunshots. Another bystander said he spotted a car speeding away.
Prince George’s County police don't believe Jayz was an intended target. Police are offering $25,000 for information on the shooting as they continue searching for the suspect.
Juanita told Fox Baltimore that she had urged her son to not walk around the neighborhood and stay home for safety reasons.
“Those parameters I had in place for him, with the thought being at home was okay,” she said. “He was in the front yard. It hurts to know that’s what he did and still violence came to his house.”
Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.