Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested for the tragic murder of an innocent plumber’s apprentice in the Bronx as New York City’s youth violence epidemic reaches alarming new heights under failed liberal policies.
Key Takeaways
- Two 13-year-old boys have been charged with murder, manslaughter, and weapons possession in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Daoud Marji, an innocent bystander in the Bronx.
- Youth gun violence in New York City has exploded under progressive policies, with minors caught with guns increasing by 136% and underage shooters rising by 192% between 2018 and 2024.
- Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch directly blames the state’s “Raise the Age” law for the surge in youth violence, calling the situation “babies killing babies.”
- The recent shooting was part of a disturbing trend, with four adolescents under 14 arrested in the Bronx for similar incidents within just six weeks.
- Despite stern warnings from his father about the dangers of the Bronx, Daoud Marji was killed by a stray bullet while simply visiting a friend, highlighting the random nature of the violence plaguing the city.
Innocent Man Killed by Teen Shooters as NYC Youth Violence Spirals Out of Control
The arrest of two 13-year-old boys for the murder of Daoud Marji, a 28-year-old plumber’s apprentice from Yonkers, represents a shocking new low in New York City’s ongoing battle with youth violence. Marji was shot in the head by a stray bullet while simply visiting a friend on University Avenue near West Kingsbridge Road in the Bronx. The innocent man later died at St. Barnabas Hospital, while a 33-year-old woman was also wounded in the senseless attack. Surveillance video shows Marji was struck while returning to a convenience store, highlighting the random nature of the violence.
The second 13-year-old suspect was apprehended at LaGuardia Airport as he returned from Miami, while his accomplice had turned himself in earlier. Both teens now face serious charges including second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and criminal possession of a firearm. The pair were reportedly part of a group of four adolescents who were wearing ski masks and dark sweatsuits when they fled the scene in a gray Honda Civic. Due to their young age, their identities have not been released to the public.
“I’m a strong man, but I’m shocked. I have to take care of my family. My wife, she’s very bad. What am I going to do? He was my blood,” said Saed Marji, the victim’s father.
NYC Youth Violence Epidemic Continues with More Teen Victims
The tragedy involving Daoud Marji is far from an isolated incident. In separate recent shootings in the Bronx, a 15-year-old boy was wounded, and two 17-year-old boys were hit by stray bullets. The two 17-year-olds, who had no criminal history and were not believed to be the intended targets, were hospitalized but are in stable condition. These incidents form part of a disturbing pattern, with the two arrested 13-year-olds being among four adolescents under 14 arrested in the Bronx for similar shootings within just six weeks.
“These are babies killing babies and it has to stop,” stated Jessica Tisch, Police Commissioner.
Failed Liberal Policies Blamed for Surge in Teen Violence
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has placed the blame for the explosive growth in youth violence squarely on the state’s contentious “Raise the Age” law. This progressive legislation, which raised the age of criminal responsibility in New York from 16 to 18, has been criticized by law enforcement officials for creating a system where young offenders face minimal consequences for serious crimes. Between 2018 and 2024, following the implementation of this policy, the number of minors caught with guns increased by a staggering 136%.
“The number of kids under the age of 18 busted with a gun increased by a whopping 136% between 2018 and 2024, the top cop said Tuesday alongside Mayor Eric Adams at a crime stats briefing held at City Hall,” according to police officials.
Even more alarming is the 192% increase in underage shooters and an 81% rise in juvenile victims of gun violence during the same period. These statistics highlight the deadly consequences of lenient policies that prioritize the rehabilitation of young offenders over public safety and fail to deter juveniles from engaging in violent criminal behavior. The ongoing crisis demonstrates how progressive approaches to criminal justice can have devastating real-world impacts on community safety, particularly in neighborhoods already struggling with high crime rates.
