Nov 18, 2009 2:26 pm US/Eastern
Five Arrested In Shooting Of Bronx Teen
5 Arrested In Shooting Of 15-Year-Old Vada Vasquez, Who Remains In Medically-Induced Coma
Police: Gunman Is 16-Year-Old Bronx Carvette Gentile Of The Bronx
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Vada Vasquez, 15, was shot in the head by a stray bullet while walking home from school in the Bronx on Nov. 16, 2009.
CBS
Five people were arrested Wednesday morning in the shooting of a 15-year-old girl in the Bronx.
All five suspects are charged with attempted murder in the shooting of Vada Vasquez, who was struck by a stray bullet on Monday as she walked home from the Bronx Latin High School.
Police say the gunman was 16-year-old Carvette Gentile of the Bronx. The others charged are 18, 20, 19 and 23 years of age.
Police have identified three of them as 23-year-old Dwayne Taylor, 18-year-old Rohan Francis and 19-year-old Cleve Smith. The identity
All five have been charged with attempted murder and weapons possession.
Police said Tuesday they suspected Gentile was the alleged hooded gunman riding a bicycle who opened fire, apparently intending to hit 19-year-old Tyrone Creighton in a Riker's Island revenge shooting.
People who live in the building where two of the suspects reside were upset.
"It's sad, so sad," said neighbor Nina Lassiter. "The young girl wasn't doing anything, just minding her own business."
When asked if she knew two of the accused, she said no.
"I just go in and out of my apartment and close the door. I don't know anybody."
Vasquez is still in a medically-induced coma after brain surgery. Her family continues to pray privately for recovery and thanks those who attended Tuesday night's prayer vigil for their public support.
Hundreds came together to light candles Tuesday night at the spot where Vasquez was shot in the head.
Community organizers were urging neighbors to take a stand against gun violence.
"I'm a mother and I know how a mother must feel," resident Yvette Merced told CBS 2 HD. "Because if you hurt one of our kids you are hurting all of us, the people who got kids. You understand?"
Vada's sister said the family continues to pray privately.
"We're trying our best," Mandy Boodram said.
Creighton, who police believe was the intended target, is also in critical condition.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. railed against the rash of stray bullet shootings, which is at least seven in the city this year, including three in the Bronx.
"Psychologically, it really does something to a community when you either get shot doing your laundry or being in your home or in this case just going home from school," Diaz said.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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