A three-year-old tot was tragically killed during a family graduation party in Buffalo, New York, while playing on his tricycle outside. Little Ramone Carter was enjoying a ride on his tricycle on Friday night, accompanied by his seven-year-old sister Jamiah, when the unthinkable happened - both children were shot during the family gathering.
The siblings were immediately rushed to hospital, but sadly, Ramone didn't survive his injuries. In a heartbreaking tribute on Saturday, family members and anti-violence organisations gathered to honour the innocent life senselessly taken away. Martina Carter, Ramone's sister, expressed her disbelief: "I know we've been through a lot of tragedies, but I would have never thought a three-year-old baby playing outside at a graduation party would be in a misfire, shot and killed", reports the Mirror US.
Ramone was remembered by his family as a playful and joyful child. Martina added: "He loved the Buffalo Bills. He always talked about wanting to play football." Carlanda Meadors, the communications director of Most Valuable Parents (MVP), a community outreach organisation in Buffalo, said the situation hit close to home for those active in the community.
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She stated: "Anytime someone is gunned down in the streets of the City of Buffalo, it hits home, because we are out here advocating against guns. We need to get these guns off the streets and the reality of it is, violence hurts, it doesn't matter who it is.",
During a press conference addressing the heartbreaking incident, Christopher Scanlon, President of the Buffalo Common Council, expressed his sorrow: "I'm heartbroken for this mother who's out here every day for our community, and now she loses a three-year-old child. So please, I'm just begging people to cut it out."
Man who 'killed 4 students' was 'creepy' regular at brewery and 'harassed women'The police have pledged their commitment to seeking justice for the devastated family. They are urging anyone with information to contact Buffalo police's confidential tip line at (716) 847-2255.
Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane voiced his outrage: "There are just way too many illegal guns on the street and this three-year-old was on his tricycle when he was shot. It's outrageous."
As of now, two individuals have been questioned and released - but the police emphasise that they need more information from the public. In the press conference, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia pleaded: "We are talking about a three-year-old baby that didn't see his fourth birthday. We need your help. We need to clear this case."