Memorial set up on site where 17-year-old was fatally shot in Morrisania
It's unclear what led up to the shooting or whether the teen was the intended target or a bystander.
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A memorial now lies near the site where a 17-year-old boy was fatally shot Thursday outside of an elementary school in Morrisania.
Investigators say 17-year-old Laquai Dash was struck in the neck by gunfire at around 4:15 p.m. on Cauldwell Avenue between East 158th and 156th streets. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but later died from his injuries.
It's unclear what led up to the shooting or whether the teen was the intended target or a bystander.
Candles now line the street and a photo of Dash stands right across from P.S. 157 where he lost his young life to gun violence.
Authorities believe another teen is responsible for the shooting and say he was seen running away from the scene wearing a blue hoodie, a black vest and red sneakers.
Officials say that Dash was a senior at nearby Legacy College Prep High School. Classes were canceled on Friday in response to the fatal shooting incident.
Parents were spotted gathering signatures as a way to demand that police do more to step up their presence in the area. There are four schools within blocks of the shooting scene and an active playground nearby as well.
"This isn't the first time this has happened," says neighbor Francisco Rodriguez. "A lot of kids come over here and just start fighting."
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the NYPD.
