Minnie Mouse balloons, flowers, pictures and candles adorned the bus stop in front 125-30 Sutphin Boulevard in South Jamaica shortly after the sun came up on Sunday morning. They were there to mark that which had happened at the same location just hours before.
Only about 10 hours the night before the very same bus stop was marked with police, fire, ambulance, emergency services and a Q6 bus with a bullet hole through one of its windows.
In front of the window had sat 14-year-old Daja Robinson. The teen had been on her way home after having attended a Sweet Sixteen party at the Onyx Lounge in Jamaica.
She and several of her friends had left the party at 8 pm and boarded the MTA bus to head home, just a few blocks away.
The bus was idling near at Baisley Blvd and was idling when a gunman approached and opened fire. Authorities say at least ten shots were fired. One of them struck Robinson in the right temple and killed her.
Police have confirmed that the shooting is gang related but say Robinson had no gang affiliations and was not the intended target.
On Tuesday, police released further details in the investigation saying that it is possible another teen on the bus may have been the intended target because she bad-mouthed a known neighborhood gang. The girl had received death threats following the shooting on the bus.
Detectives are looking to question a person of interest, a man they say that may be identified by NYPD surveillance footage.
“This was another senseless murder,” said Commissioner Ray Kelly. “She was a young girl who should be having the time of her life.”
A reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible. Police are asking that you call CRIMESTOPPERS at 800-577-TIPS.
By Patricia Adams
