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Police Say Gunmen From SUV Killed 13-Year-Old at West Oak Lane Basketball Court

Investigators now ask for video or tips to identify suspects in a silver SUV.

Overview

  • The shooting left Amir Akers, 13, dead and a 14-year-old wounded at a court on the 7100 block of North 19th Street Tuesday night.
  • Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore said a silver SUV pulled up and at least two gunmen jumped out and opened fire on kids who were playing with gel-bead toy guns.
  • Police said Akers was shot in the back and shoulder and was pronounced at 9:20 p.m., and the other boy was hit in both legs and is stable at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
  • Homicide detectives recovered 19 shell casings, found no weapon, made no arrests, and have not identified a motive.
  • Family and neighbors mourned Akers and described him as a kind, sports-loving eighth grader, while police search for video that could show the SUV and shooters.