BRONX, NEW YORK: A Bronx man is set to face at least 15 years behind bars and can potentially face life in prison for the “ghost-gun” killing of a 16-year-old honor roll student.
The 16-year-old tragically lost her life while walking home from school. The other two teens who were present with the victim during the incident were left wounded when a senseless argument escalated into bloodshed.
In a news release, prosecutors said that Jeremiah Ryan, 18, came to know about his sentence in the April 8, 2022, killing of Angellyh Yambo, 16.
Angellyh’s mother had choice words for the killer outside the Bronx Criminal Court.
What did Angellyh Yambo's mother say?
“I just wish that he stays in jail for the rest of his life,” she said in a news conference on Friday, Septemver 15.
“Even that won’t bring me comfort because I won’t have my daughter again, but at least we can keep another innocent life out of harm,” she added.
What did the Bronx District Attorney say about the crime?
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D Clark, who stood by the family at the news conference, said the day Angellyh was killed was terrible.
“They should not be standing here today,” Clark said, adding “They should be celebrating the fact that she’s in school once again, pursuing her dream to be a doctor and be the vibrant young woman she was. But instead, she was shot down by another youth — 17 years old — he now stands convicted and is going to do 15 years to life in prison.”
According to Bronx Times, Ryan spoke quietly in court, saying, "I apologize for my actions. I’m sorry."
What happened during the incident?
Authorities said that the gun violence took place when an altercation escalated between individuals “gesturing back and forth” with others at 510 East 156th Street.
Ryan fired at least six shots, striking Angellyh and a boy and a girl, both 17. The bullet struck Angellyh in her upper back and pierced her lung and pulmonary artery.
One teen was shot in the left leg while the other suffered a gunshot wound to the butt.
Authorities noted Ryan used an untraceable ghost gun made from parts bought online with no serial numbers.
Clark said that guns pose a significant threat to public safety and are being used in crimes in New York City.
Angellyh’s family established a foundation after working with legislators on policies to combat gun violence
US Representative Ritchie Torres, D-NY, commemorated National Gun Violence Awareness Month in June by naming federal legislation in the victim’s honor with the “Angellyh Yambo Gun Free Zone Expansion Act of 2023” that aims to ban ghost guns and expand “gun-free school zones.”
“I’m proud to introduce the ‘Angellyh Yambo Gun Free Zone Expansion Act of 2023’ in honor and memory of a beloved daughter, friend, and honor roll student who should still be with us today,” Torres said.
Mary Hernandez, Angellyh Yambo’s aunt and CEO/founder of the Angellyh Yambo Foundation, said gun violence is a national crisis that demands a national solution.
“The ‘Angellyh Yambo Gun Free Zone Expansion Act of 2023’ will help children in our community feel a little safer walking from and to school,” she said.
New York mayor named a street in the victim's honor
This past April, on the first anniversary of Angellyh’s death, New York Mayor Eric Adams honored the straight-A student at Bronx Preparatory Charter School by naming a street in her honor.
“That future was taken from us by a ghost gun,” Adams tweeted.
“Her parents turned that pain into purpose, rallying to the cause of ending gun violence. Today, we honor her life," she wrote.
"Angellyh Yambo was a brilliant young woman, a straight A student with dreams of becoming a doctor in her community. That future was taken from us by a ghost gun," Adams concluded.
