Gang-related Shooting Led to Death of 13-Year-Old Basketball Prospect Recently Honored by UConn: Police

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Mount Vernon man has been charged with murder in the New Year’s Eve death of 13-year-old basketball prospect Shamoya McKenzie.

She had aspirations of playing for the University of Connecticut and the Huskies recently honored her memory.

According to court records, David Hardy, 21, of Franklin Avenue, was charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, felonies.
Authorities said Hardy was intending to kill Prince Scott, but shot McKenzie after firing multiple times with a 9 mm firearm.

The Journal News said the shooting was gang-related and McKenzie was hit by a stray bullet.

Hardy’s lawyer did not argue for bail during a Tuesday morning court appearance. The suspect is due back in Mount Vernon City Court Feb. 2.For additional details, including another charge from an unrelated incident that Hardy faces, read the complete Journal News article here.
Original article:

McKenzie, 13, was shot and killed by a stray bullet while riding as a passenger in a car in broad daylight. Another passenger in the car was shot and wounded.

Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe account to help the family cover funeral costs.

This story originally appeared on Mount Vernon Patch. Photo Credit: Westchester County DA