Police searching for 15-year-old boy accused of shooting, killing innocent bystander

A 15-year-old 8th grade student in New York is wanted by police for allegedly shooting and killing an innocent 18-year-old woman when he was aiming for another teen, police said.

The 18-year-old victim, Marilyn Cotto Montanez, protected her little sister during the shooting, pushing the 9-year-old out of the way as shots rang out. A bullet struck Montanez in the head, killing her.

The shooting occurred on Thursday, April 25, 2019. The suspect, Jamir Thompson, had intended to shoot another teen who he had stolen a gold chain from earlier that day, police said.

“This incident has deeply affected our community because an innocent life was lost,” said Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner in a press briefing, according to the New York Post. “We will not rest until Jamir Thompson answers for his reckless and despicable conduct.”

Police are offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of Thompson.