The 7-month-old shot in Brooklyn case has shocked New York City and the nation following a heartbreaking daytime drive-by shooting on April 1, 2026. Authorities say a 7-month-old baby girl, who was sitting in a stroller with her family, was struck and killed by a stray bullet during what police believe was a gang-motivated attack. Investigators have emphasized that the infant was not the intended target, making the tragedy an especially devastating reminder of the dangers posed by gun violence in public spaces.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about gun violence in New York City, child safety, illegal firearms, and the need for continued efforts to reduce violent crime. Below is a complete guide covering everything confirmed so far, including what happened, who the victim was, the suspects, official statements, investigation updates, and the broader context surrounding the case.
What Happened in the Brooklyn Shooting?
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD) and reports from Reuters and The Associated Press (AP), the shooting occurred on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at approximately 1:20 p.m. in the East Williamsburg/Bushwick section of Brooklyn.
Police said two men riding a moped traveled against traffic before approaching a street corner where several people had gathered. Authorities stated that the passenger pulled out a handgun and fired at least two shots toward a group standing on the sidewalk. The area was busy at the time, with multiple adults, several children, and two strollers nearby.
During the gunfire, one bullet struck a 7-month-old baby girl sitting inside her stroller. According to an NBC News affiliate report cited by Reuters, the infant’s parents immediately ran into a nearby bodega for cover. Her mother later recalled initially believing the loud sounds were fireworks before realizing her daughter had been shot.
Emergency responders rushed the infant to Woodhull Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Authorities also reported that the child’s 2-year-old brother was grazed by a bullet, although no other fatalities were reported.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said surveillance video showed the suspects fleeing after the shooting. Their moped crashed into a parked vehicle approximately two blocks away, causing both riders to be thrown from the vehicle.
Victim Identified: Who Was the 7-Month-Old Baby?
Authorities identified the victim as Kaori Patterson-Moore, a 7-month-old girl from Brooklyn.
Her mother, Lianna Charles-Moore, shared the family’s heartbreak in an interview with the New York Post. She explained that she was comforting her frightened 2-year-old son after hearing the gunshots when she looked into the stroller and discovered her daughter had been shot in the head.
“My daughter was innocent. She didn’t deserve that,” Charles-Moore said.
According to her family, Kaori was a happy and healthy baby who had recently begun saying “Mama” and was preparing to take the next milestones in her development, including learning to crawl. Her death has deeply affected family members, neighbors, and people across New York who have expressed sympathy and support.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also reflected on the tragedy, stating:
“A life that had barely begun was taken in an instant.”
His remarks echoed the grief felt throughout the city as residents mourned the loss of an innocent child caught in an act of violence.
Suspects Arrested and Investigation Updates
The NYPD moved quickly following the shooting, leading to the arrests of two suspects connected to the case.
Amuri Greene, 21
Police identified Amuri Greene, age 21, as the alleged gunman and passenger on the moped. After the crash, Greene suffered injuries and was taken into police custody while receiving medical treatment.
According to court documents, investigators said Greene admitted he was aiming at another person in the crowd, not the infant. Authorities charged him with murder and several additional offenses. Greene pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and was held without bail pending further court proceedings.
Matthew Rodriguez, 18
The alleged moped driver, Matthew Rodriguez, age 18, fled the scene on foot after the crash. Two days later, on April 3, NYPD detectives working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested him in Pennsylvania.
Officials stated that charges against Rodriguez were pending while investigators continued reviewing evidence and determining his role in the incident.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch said investigators believe the shooting was gang-motivated, with the intended target believed to be someone else present at the scene. The investigation remains active as detectives continue examining possible gang connections and additional evidence.
Where Did the Shooting Happen?
The fatal shooting occurred on a residential street in the Bushwick/East Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, a neighborhood known for its apartments, local businesses, bodegas, and steady daytime pedestrian activity.
Following the shooting, the NYPD secured both the shooting location and the crash site approximately two blocks away. Detectives collected forensic evidence while reviewing footage from surveillance cameras installed at nearby businesses.
Officials said the security footage played a significant role in tracking the suspects’ movements before and after the attack. Residents in the area reported hearing two loud gunshots, prompting emergency calls and a rapid police response.
Investigators continue reviewing additional video evidence and interviewing witnesses as part of the ongoing case.
Official Response From NYC Leaders
The killing of Kaori Patterson-Moore prompted emotional responses from city leaders and law enforcement officials.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident as:
“A terrible day in our city, a tragedy that truly shocks the conscience.”
Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the neighborhood and spoke publicly about the devastating loss, saying:
“There are no words that can mend the heartbreak this family is feeling right now. A life that had barely begun was taken in an instant.”
The mayor also emphasized the need for continued efforts to reduce gun violence, remove illegal firearms from city streets, and strengthen initiatives targeting violent crime and gang activity.
Officials extended condolences to the victim’s family while pledging to continue pursuing justice through the criminal investigation.
Gun Violence in New York City: The Bigger Picture
Although this tragedy has deeply affected New York City, officials noted that overall gun violence has continued to decline in recent years.
According to NYPD data released earlier in 2026, 2025 recorded 688 shooting incidents, representing a 24% decrease compared to 2024 and marking the city’s lowest gun violence levels since comparable records began in 1994.
Police also reported that, as of the Sunday before the Brooklyn shooting, 52 homicides had been recorded in 2026, a 29% decline compared to the same period the previous year. Authorities said New York remained on pace for one of its safest years in decades regarding shootings and homicides.
However, officials stressed that isolated tragedies such as the death of Kaori Patterson-Moore demonstrate that stray bullets, gang-related shootings, and illegal firearms continue to pose serious risks to innocent residents, particularly children and families.
Community Response, Ongoing Investigation, and Key Facts
The Brooklyn community responded with grief and support following the tragedy. Neighbors, community leaders, local business owners, and residents gathered near the shooting location for vigils honoring Kaori Patterson-Moore. Across social media, many called for justice while expressing condolences to the family.
Meanwhile, the NYPD investigation remains ongoing. Detectives continue working to determine the exact motive behind the shooting, identify the intended target, investigate any gang involvement, and determine how the firearm was obtained. Authorities are also encouraging anyone with surveillance footage or information related to the suspects or the moped’s movements before April 1, 2026, to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers tip line.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Kaori Patterson-Moore, 7-month-old girl |
| Date | April 1, 2026 |
| Time | Approximately 1:20 p.m. |
| Location | East Williamsburg/Bushwick, Brooklyn |
| Cause | Stray bullet during alleged gang-motivated moped drive-by shooting |
| Suspect 1 | Amuri Greene (21), alleged shooter |
| Suspect 2 | Matthew Rodriguez (18), alleged moped driver |
| Case Status | Both suspects arrested; investigation and court proceedings ongoing |
The 7-month-old shot in Brooklyn case remains one of the most heartbreaking criminal investigations of 2026. As court proceedings continue and investigators release additional verified information, more details may emerge. For now, the case stands as a tragic reminder of the devastating human impact of gun violence and the importance of ongoing efforts to improve public safety while seeking justice for Kaori Patterson-Moore and her family.
