12, 16-year-olds Charged in Camden, NJ, Fatal Shooting; Both Released

Two Juveniles Charged in Camden Teen’s Death

Two juveniles — ages 12 and 16 — have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a teenager in Camden last month.

The Camden County Prosecutor's Office says at around 12:30 on the afternoon on June 6th, officers were called to a home on the 1500 block of Thorn Street in Camden for a report of a person who had been shot.

At the scene, cops found the victim, identified as 16-year-old Xyere Brooks of Camden, suffering from a gunshot wound inside the residence. He was taken to Cooper University Hospital where he was pronounced dead less than two hours later.

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12-year-old Allegedly Fired Gun

Authorities say multiple juveniles were in the home at the time of the shooting, and an investigation revealed that a 16-year-old male from Camden had brought the firearm into the residence. It was then determined that a 12-year-old girl from Wilmington, DE, was handling the gun and had recklessly discharged it, resulting in the fatal shooting.

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Suspects Surrender, Face Charges

On July 1st, both juveniles surrendered themselves at the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.

The 12-year-old was charged with one count of second-degree manslaughter and one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

The 16-year-old was charged with one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

Both were released from custody with conditions pending their next court date on July 23rd.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.