PHILADELPHIA, PA – A tragic incident in the East Astoria Street neighborhood has left residents in shock after a 12-year-old boy was fatally shot on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred just a day before Mother’s Day, adding to the community’s grief and disbelief.
The shooting happened inside a home on the 1500 block of East Aurora Street, where the young boy was reportedly filming a music video with two other teenagers, ages 15 and 17. Authorities responded to a distress call around 12:30 p.m., arriving to find the boy with a gunshot wound to his stomach. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and investigators are working to determine which of the teens might have discharged the firearm. The crime scene revealed the presence of several weapons, including live firearms, BB guns, and imitation guns, raising questions about how a real gun ended up at the location and who owned it.
Detectives have been actively collecting evidence from the scene and have interviewed family members who were present at the time of the incident. The music video being filmed by the teenagers is considered a critical piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation. However, accessing the video requires legal procedures and warrants.
Neighbors expressed their sorrow and confusion over the tragedy, describing the block as typically quiet and safe. “It’s heartbreaking to think something like this could happen here, especially right before Mother’s Day,” one resident remarked. The incident has sparked discussions about the influence of violent media on youth and the importance of gun safety education.
Authorities confirmed that the 12-year-old did not reside in the home where the shooting took place. The investigation is ongoing, with officials still determining whether the shooting was accidental or intentional.