Thirteen-year-old Jaleeyah Tune was fatally shot in Goldsboro, N.C., on Dec. 21 while walking home with her sister. Local police say three juveniles — two 16-year-olds and one 15-year-old — have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and felony conspiracy. Family members described Jaleeyah as a resilient child born prematurely, and a GoFundMe had raised nearly $12,000 for memorial expenses by Dec. 25. The investigation is ongoing.
13-Year-Old Jaleeyah Tune Fatally Shot In Goldsboro, N.C.; Three Teens Charged
Gun MemorialJaleeyah Tune
Loved ones and local officials are mourning 13-year-old Jaleeyah Tune, who was fatally shot in Goldsboro, North Carolina, just days before Christmas. Police say the shooting happened on Sunday, Dec. 21, and three teenagers have been arrested in connection with her death.
Incident Details
According to local reports, the shooting occurred at about 4:30 p.m. as Jaleeyah and her sister were walking home. Witnesses and family members told ABC 11 that a group of boys fired from behind a bush, striking Jaleeyah. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family Reaction
"I held her in her last moments," J'Sheeyah Tune said. "She didn't deserve this at all. People are very cruel. Now, I have to live on without my sister."
Arrests And Charges
Police say three juveniles — two 16-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy — were arrested and charged with first-degree murder and felony conspiracy. Authorities have not released the suspects' names because of their ages. Local reporting indicates the youths are being held at the Pitt Juvenile Detention Center in Greenville while the investigation continues.
Community Support And Memorial
A GoFundMe organized by family and friends describes Jaleeyah as a "fighter from the very beginning," noting she was born prematurely at just 2 pounds and came home from the hospital on Christmas Eve as a family miracle. As of Dec. 25 the fundraiser had raised nearly $12,000 to help cover memorial and funeral expenses.
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact local law enforcement. Reporting was based on statements from family and local outlets including ABC 11, WGHP and Spectrum News, which cited police and community sources.
