12 year old girl shot in BX

**HudsonHawk** · 05-07-07, 10:05 AM

An "aspiring police officer" and "radiant 12-year-old Bronx honor student" are both shot outside a drug/gang prone location after late night parties. What kind of parents let their 12yo daughter go out and party at 3am?

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crim...un_terror.html

GIRL'S GUN TERROR
Honor student, just 12, hit as Bronx cell phone fight erupts

BY MIKE JACCARINO and DAVE GOLDINER
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS

Posted Monday, May 7th 2007, 4:00 AM

A radiant 12-year-old Bronx honor student was clinging to life yesterday after she was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight that erupted over a Sidekick cell phone, cops said.

Kirsys Rodriguez was shot in the back after being turned away from a courtyard where she could have found shelter from the bullets flying outside a notorious party spot on Marion Ave. in Fordham.

"People over here get mad about nothing," said Kirsys' cousin Julio Fernandez, 17. "Such stupidity over a phone."

Cops were hunting last night for the suspect who fired at least three times in the air before letting loose the shot that hit Kirsys just before 3 a.m.

"He's dead if I see him," said April Rodriguez, 17, her older sister. "It's so stupid. What can I say?"

"One shooting is too many, particularly when it affects a young person," Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said.

The battle erupted when rival groups of Dominicans and African-Americans started arguing at a party packed with teenagers in a basement apartment.

The fight spilled out into the street, where at least 20 young men faced off over accusations someone had stolen the $200 cell phone.

Consumed with rage, the gunman started shooting as Kirsys, who had fled the party, and dozens of other bystanders ran for cover.

"He was shooting crazy: 'Boom, boom, boom,'" said Paradise dela Cruz, 16.

Kirsys tried to get into a building courtyard, but a man refused to let her in. "But they're shooting," the terrified middle schooler pleaded, Paradise said.

Amid the chaos and gunfire, Kirsys ran to a neighboring building and was trying to buzz her way inside when she was hit by a stray bullet.

"She was just standing there," said Christina Rosario, 12. "She tried to open the door and she got shot."

Within seconds, a driver pulled up and offered to take the wounded girl and a friend, who gave hisname only as Jeremy, to the hospital.

Even as she faded in and out of consciousness, the plucky victim tried to reassure her friend as they raced to St. Barnabas Hospital in less than five minutes.

"I'm okay, I'm okay," Kirsys murmured.

Kirsys was moved to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia, where she underwent surgery and was in critical but stable condition last night. A .40-caliber bullet nicked her bowel, police sources said.

"She's in really bad shape," said a source close to the case. "She has a really tough battle in front of her."

Neighbors said the dingy apartment where the fight started is notorious for illicit parties and underage drinking.

An aspiring police officer was shot and killed after an argument at the same place on Dec. 10, 2005.

"They're always throwing parties and there is always a fight," said Frankie Martinez, 52.

Dayris Jimenez, the wounded girl's best friend, said she passed up the chance to go to the party because she knew there could be trouble there.

Kirsys earned A's at nearby Middle School 45 and loves to play Double Dutch jump rope. Slim and beautiful, she has long black hair and lit up rooms with her wide smile.

"She's always happy and smiling," said Dayris, 12.

Police are asking anyone with information to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.

**BigDawg** · 05-07-07, 10:14 AM

As awful and senceless as this is it still beggs the question of what was a 12 yr old doing out at that time??? Some parents.

**Sapper_132** · 05-07-07, 10:33 AM

From the looks of it everyone at the party is a minor. I'm sure theres a curfew. and if it's not private property, round them all up?

**Growler** · 05-07-07, 11:38 AM

Da Bronx baby. Granted when I grew up in Bk. I was home as soon as the steret lights flickered. When I lived in the Bx, everyone assumed that their kid knew to stay outta trouble and everyone that was in the neighborhood that late was from the neighborhood, so no troubles.

In other words, no parent will claim responsibility.

**Buttercup** · 05-07-07, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by BigDawg3533

As awful and senceless as this is it still beggs the question of what was a 12 yr old doing out at that time??? Some parents.

I agree.

**countybear** · 05-07-07, 03:37 PM

News flash for the mourning parent(s)...

Conception is easy, parenting is the challenge.
There are no second chances to raise a child properly.
Your children are your only true legacy in life.
When you make choices as a parent, their future must be your priority.

**conalabu** · 05-07-07, 03:41 PM

At some point, parents in general and society in general is going to wake up and realize that the future is fucked if some people don't start getting a little more involved in their kids and lot less involved in having their head in their ass.