BREAKING: Two teenagers have been sentenced for the tragic shooting death of 3-year-old Ramone “Red” Carter in Buffalo, New York. The incident occurred on June 21, 2024, when Ramone was fatally shot while riding his tricycle outside his home, shocking the community and drawing significant media attention.
In a courtroom decision announced just moments ago, Jahaan Taylor, now 16 years old, received a sentence of 15 years to life in state prison, the maximum for a juvenile offender. His accomplice, Elijah Mumford, 17, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision. Both were convicted for their roles in the senseless attack that also injured Ramone’s 7-year-old sister, who survived after being grazed by a bullet.
The horrific shooting unfolded around 9:30 PM. Buffalo Police apprehended the suspects shortly thereafter, discovering an illegal handgun linked to the crime. Authorities confirmed that Ramone and his sister were not the intended targets; the teens fired shots during a confrontation with a group of young men, tragically striking the siblings instead.
Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane expressed the profound impact of the case, stating,
“Ramone ‘Red’ Carter was an innocent victim of gun violence perpetrated by two teenagers in possession of illegal firearms.”
Keane praised the bravery of the surviving sister, who testified during the trial, and the responding officers who provided immediate aid to Ramone.
Ramone’s mother, Shakenya Griffin, shared her heartbreak in a recent interview, stating, “I don’t have my son. So even though they’re going to be in jail, they’re still living, and I don’t have my son.” She expressed the deep loss she feels, having always dreamed of raising a baby boy.
The emotional toll extends beyond Ramone’s immediate family. His older sister, Shakria Campbell, revealed her devastation, saying, “He was like a son to me… I just feel like I should have been there as the older sibling.” She reminisced about the joy Ramone brought into their lives with his dimples and vibrant red hair.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, many are left questioning how to prevent such senseless violence in the future. The case has sparked renewed discussions around gun control and the safety of children in neighborhoods nationwide.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the community continues to heal from this heartbreaking loss.
