18-year-old killed in Longwood shooting remembered at funeral service

Sparrow said her son was on his way to a birthday party with his 15-year-old cousin, when the two teens were confronted by three people in masks.

Tim Harfmann

Nov 17, 2024, 2:51 AM

Updated 32 days ago

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Family and friends gathered in East Harlem on Saturday to remember a Bronx teenager who was shot and killed last month.
Police said 18-year-old Joshua Sparrow was gunned down Oct. 28 on James Polite Avenue in Longwood.
“No parent should ever have to bury their kid before them,” said Jenny Sparrow, Joshua’s mother.
Sparrow said her son was on his way to a birthday party with his 15-year-old cousin, when the two teens were confronted by three people in masks.
Police said Joshua was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln where he was pronounced dead.
“He was a good kid,” Jenny said. “He was never in jail, he had never been arrested, nothing bad ever happened to him. So, I'm grateful that my son can rest in peace.”
Jenny said gun violence is an epidemic amongst teenagers in the city -- and it must end.
“You walk away,” said Jenny. “You live to see another day, and guns isn’t the answer for everything.”
The mother is fighting for justice, while also calling for peace.
“We need more unity in the community,” said Jenny.
Sparrow’s mother also told News 12 that the family is advocating to have the street where Joshua killed co-named after him.
Police said the investigation is ongoing. As of Sunday night, no arrests have been made.