NEW YORK — There are new developments in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old in the Bronx who was due to graduate high school next year.
His accused killer is now behind bars and the teen’s heartbroken family wants answers.
Investigators have charged James Walker, 33, with murder and manslaughter in the death of Xavier Navarez.
While the suspect’s connection to Navarez and motive are unknown, the family said the answers to these questions will not bring their loved one back.
Here’s what police say happened Saturday
Navarez was about to graduate from high school next year, took graduation photos a month ago and was in the process of starting a clothing company. He had everything mapped out.
“He was so excited to start doing that, looking at fabrics, threads, materials and all kinds of different things to get him started,” said brother Gabriel Maldonado.
CBS News New York
And then came that terrible moment Saturday evening on Oak Terrace in Mott Haven, less than a mile from where Navarez lived. Police say the 17-year-old was shot multiple times in the back around 9:30 p.m. One woman saw the aftermath.
“The officer took over and the officer continued to perform compressions,” she said. ‘It’s painful. How can you see someone like that?’
‘He had so much to live for’
The heartbreak was palpable Sunday as family and close friends, trying to cope, gathered in the building where Navarez once lived.
“He didn’t deserve that. No one deserves that. He had so much to live for,” Maldonado said.
“It’s too emotional right now. It doesn’t feel real,” friend Fern Bernard added.
Many had tears in their eyes. The victim’s sister was too sad to say anything. But one thing is certain: Navarez was a good kid with a bright future.
“Xavier has always been a funny and smart boy,” said Aunt Olga Mulcahey-Baez. “He was excited about what was to come.”
“It’s a shame his life was taken so quickly,” Bernard said.
He is gone, but he will not be forgotten. Family and friends say Navarez made the best of his short life in the time he had.
“We’re going to miss him and he’ll always be missed. We love him,” Bernard said.
Naveen Dhaliwal
