A 15-year-old Bronx teenager, Jayden Baez, has been indicted on charges of second-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting outside the Bronx Hall of Justice last November. He is also linked to a separate shooting that injured a 65-year-old woman and another shooting incident in a crowded area, according to the Bronx District Attorney's Office release.
Baez faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, attempted murder, assault, and several counts of weapon possession. He is accused of shooting and killing 29-year-old Jerron Grant in broad daylight near the courthouse. Baez is also allegedly involved in two other shootings: one where an elderly woman was shot in the leg and required surgery, and another incident where gunfire was aimed at a crowd at 300 East 143rd Street, though no injuries were reported. All of these incidents are included in the current indictment.
The investigation revealed that a .40-caliber semi-automatic Taurus Millennium PT pistol, recovered near Baez's location after the shooting, was used in the crimes. A co-defendant, 17-year-old Ley Baio, is also charged in connection with the shooting of the elderly woman.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark stated, “The defendant, only 15 years old, is allegedly responsible for multiple incidents of gun violence last fall. He allegedly brazenly fired shots right near the courthouse on the afternoon before Thanksgiving, killing a man and causing fear among the passersby. Due to the diligent work of detectives, the weapon used in the Bronx Hall of Justice killing was linked to two previous incidents. Again, we have a child allegedly using a gun with no regard for human life,” in the same release.
The case is scheduled for court on May 16 with Justice Gayle Roberts presiding. Both Baez and Baio are being held in remand. The prosecution is led by Homicide Assistant Elizabeth Kamens, under the supervision of key figures in the Trial Division.
