Mott Haven community holds vigil for 17-year-old fatal shooting victim
The NYPD said Xavier Narvaez was shot and killed on Oak Terrace around 8 p.m. Saturday.
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Dozens of people gathered in Mott Haven on Sunday to mourn the loss of 17-year-old Xavier Narvaez.
The NYPD said the teenager was shot and killed on Oak Terrace around 8 p.m. Saturday.
“[We’re] just heartbroken, destroyed at all this,” said Gabriel Maldonado, the victim’s brother. “He had so much to live for.”
“He was a funny, loving, smart kid, who still at 17, loved his little candies,” said Olga Mulcahey-Baez, the victim’s aunt. “He was a dog whisperer.”
Police said officers found Narvaez with multiple gunshot wounds in his back.
He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
News 12 was told the teen leaves behind his mother, three siblings and a 2-year-old nephew.
“That young nephew adored [Xavier],” said Maldonado. “He was a role model to that little one. That little one looked up to him.”
Many people said the teen was a role model to his family and the community.
“We’re way older than him and he inspired me,” said Jeff, of Mott Haven. “He inspired everybody you see out here.”
Family members told News 12 that Xavier was scheduled to graduate high school next summer and was a young entrepreneur with his own clothing line.
“He always had a smile on his face,” said Brandon, of Mott Haven. “He was just doing good. He was doing what you’re supposed to be doing. He just made us all want to be better.”
“He wasn’t doing what a lot of these young cats are doing out here,” said Jeff. “His head was in the right place.”
The NYPD said the suspect turned himself in on Sunday afternoon.
It was not clear what led to the shooting as of Sunday night.
Police said 33-year-old James Walker was arrested and charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon.
