A three-year-old toddler was tragically shot dead while playing with his tricycle during a family graduation party in Buffalo.
Ramone Carter was riding his tricycle on Friday night with his 7-year-old sister Jamiah when both were shot at the family gathering. They were rushed to the hospital, but Ramone sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Family members and anti-violence organizations gathered on Saturday to honor the young life lost. Martina Carter, Ramone’s sister, expressed her disbelief: “I know we’ve been through a lot of tragedies, but I would have never thought a three-year-old baby playing outside at a graduation party would be in a misfire, shot and killed.”
Ramone’s family described him as playful and joyful. Martina added, “He loved the Buffalo Bills. He always talked about wanting to play football.”
Carlanda Meadors, the communications director of Most Valuable Parents (MVP), said the situation deeply affected those active in the community. MVP is a Buffalo-based outreach organization that addresses local issues with the goal of making the city safer.
She said, “Anytime someone is gunned down in the streets of Buffalo, it hits home because we advocate against guns. We need to get these guns off the streets. Violence hurts, no matter who it is.”
During a press conference on the incident, Buffalo Common Council President Christopher Scanlon said, “I’m heartbroken for this mother who’s out here every day for our community, and now she loses a three-year-old child. So please, I’m just begging people to cut it out.”
Police are working diligently to seek justice for the grieving family. Anyone with information is asked to text or call Buffalo police’s confidential tip line at (716) 847-2255. Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane stated, “There are just way too many illegal guns on the street and this three-year-old was on his tricycle when he was shot. It’s outrageous.”
So far, two people have been interviewed and released, but police need more information from the community. Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia emphasized, “We are talking about a three-year-old baby who didn’t see his fourth birthday. We need your help to clear this case.”
In a related tragic incident, a young mother of two was shot dead by her brother during a dispute over Christmas presents. Abrielle Baldwin, 23, was killed on Christmas Eve at their grandmother’s house in Largo, Florida. Police suspect her 14-year-old brother Damarcus Coley as the shooter. In a shocking turn of events, Damarcus was then shot by their 15-year-old sibling, Darcus, who fled and called their mother after the incident.
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