A 16-year-old girl remains in the hospital following what appears to be a tragic mishap involving New Year's celebratory gunfire in Chester, Pennsylvania. The incident unfolded shortly after midnight on the 1100 block of Keystone Road as the teen was struck by a stray bullet while playing video games in her bedroom, her family told NBC10.
David Nelson, the stepfather of the victim, recounted the harrowing experience, saying, "I heard her screaming and hollering. I came upstairs and that's when she told me to call 911." The bullet that hit the teenager is reported to have nearly struck her aorta, as per Nelson's statements to NBC10. While police have not released details about potential suspects, Nelson's description of his stepdaughter, an intelligent basketball player, alludes to the seriousness of her condition and the arduous journey toward recovery that lies ahead.
Neighbor Gerard Farnan reported to FOX29 hearing about eight shots, describing them as rapid, like "an automatic weapon." Gwendolyn Venitez, another neighbor, expressed her devastation, remarking, "Oh my God, it breaks my heart. Breaks my heart every time I think what happened to that child." The teen currently is in critical but stable condition at Crozer Medical Center. Chester police, urging residents each year against the dangerous practice of firing guns into the air to mark celebrations, are now investigating the case.
Spokespeople for the Chester Police highlighted the illegality and inherent danger of celebratory gunfire. "Your home is where you're supposed to feel comfortable and safe at. Not where you feel like you gotta be ducking and dodging from incompetence and people with irresponsible weapons," Nelson told Action News. Nelson also noted that the teen had narrowly moved her younger brother away from where the bullet would penetrate their home seconds before she herself was shot. As the community and family grapple with the consequences of the incident, authorities continue to piece together the events that led up to the shooting.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to reach out to Chester Police, as the search for the individual responsible press forwards.
