An 11-year-old New York girl was gunned down in Syracuse while heading home from a convenience store with a gallon of milk for her family on Monday. Brexialee Torres-Ortiz was shot during what police believe was a gang-related drive-by shooting. The community is reeling and wondering why a child was taken in such a violent manner.
Brexialee, a fifth grader, was hit by a bullet in her midsection, according to People. The bullet's target, a 19-year-old man, was hit in the leg. His injuries were not life-threatening, and authorities expected him to survive.
Brexialee was transported to a local hospital, where she later died. The girl is the latest young victim of gun violence in the US that has reached epidemic proportions.
The shooting happened close to her home.
Police Chief Joseph Cecile addressed the media in a news conference on Tuesday and stated that she was 100 yards from her home, The New York Times reported. There are surveillance cameras in the area, and authorities have "fairly good camera footage" of the scene where the shooting occurred.
Cecile sent out a plea to the community to help identify the shooter. He said, "we know there's folks out there right now that very likely know who the shooter was."
Brexialee was a model student.
The middle-schooler attended Blodgett Middle School and was president of her class, a hall monitor, and a cheerleader, according to People. Leeza Roper, who taught Brexialee in a dance class, posted on Facebook that she was a "bright star" in her class who was always cheerful and happy to see her.
"To not be able to hug you, encourage you to keep going when you miscount a step or dance, and to not be able to say 'Byeee, love youuu, get home safe!' is hurting me so bad right now," she wrote. "The gun violence, not only in Syracuse, but EVERYWHERE NEEDS TO STOP. She didn't even make it to see her teenage years. She didn't get to experience all that life has to offer a beautiful soul like hers. The harsh reality is, she's in a better place than all of us."
Brexialee died on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Darin C. Jamie, pastor at People's AME Zion Church, told the NY Times he was with Brexialee's mother, Brenlee Ortiz after her daughter died at the hospital. He questioned the child's safety and expressed sorrow that no one is safe just walking down the street for a gallon of milk. He remarked that gun violence is a national problem affecting his local community.
The shooting took place near a street named for Martin Luther King Jr. on a day that we celebrate his dedication to racial equality and mourn his senseless slaying. Jamie felt that was particularly haunting.
"If anything, Dr. King challenged us to be a voice for the voiceless," he said. "And the community must continue to be a voice for the voiceless and for this family that's been tragically impacted," he told NY Times.
The shooting devasted her family.
Brenlee Ortiz paid tribute to her daughter on Facebook, still reeling from the shock that she is gone.
"They took you from my arms and now I don't know how to live without you. I don't know how to start my days nor how to end my nights. You left me and with you I left my soul and heart. My life is in pieces, my life is meaningless," she posted.
Her cousin, Chelsey Ortiz Cirino, echoed Brexialee's mother's words. "Blue Hearts For My Little Cousin We Appreciate Everyone's Prayers At This Very Difficult Time Please Pray For Our Family But Especially My Aunt," she posted.
Neighbors gathered to honor her.
On Tuesday, supporters planned a candlelight vigil to pay homage to a young girl taken too soon. Organizers, advocacy group, Rebirth SYR, asked the community "to stand against gun violence and mourn the loss of Brexialee," CNYCentral reported.
Rebirth SYR leader Bloodworth Haz posted the organization's commitment to its community on Instagram: "We have to stand strong and we must be United in our efforts to combat gun violence in our community and beyond! We must stand United in our hearts and minds as well so that we are being a comfort for the family of the victim."
Supporters can show love for Brexialee and her family with a donation via GoFundMe.
The GoFundMe, entitled "Brexi's Legacy," is managed by Syracuse STEM @ Blodgett staff. It currently has raised nearly $2,000 of its $10,000 goal.
"Brexi was taken from us in a tragic act of violence," the post reads. "Her family, friends, school, and community are at a loss without her infectious smile and kind heart to guide us. All proceeds donated will be provided to the family to support financially. Thank you Brexi for being an amazing person. Let us all aspire to be full of love and kindness like her."
