A Community Tournament Turned Tragic
A summer basketball event at Haffen Park in Baychester ended in bloodshed Saturday evening when multiple gunmen fired into a crowd, killing Jaceil Banks, 32, and wounding four others. The New York Police Department (NYPD) said officers recovered at least 48 shell casings at the scene, underscoring the ferocity of the exchange that shattered an otherwise family-friendly gathering.
Victims: One Dead, Teen Fighting for Life
Banks died after being struck in the chest. Seventeen-year-old Anthonaya Campbell was critically injured by a gunshot wound to the head and rushed first to Jacobi Medical Center, then Montefiore Hospital for advanced care, according to relatives. Three additional victims—a 30-year-old man, a 29-year-old woman, and a 42-year-old man—were treated for gunshot wounds and are listed in stable condition.
Swift Arrests and Gang-Related Charges
Police arrested four suspects: Daeven Reyes, 20; Robert Royal, 25; a 17-year-old boy; and a 16-year-old boy. All four face murder and gang assault charges, authorities said. Investigators believe the gunfire erupted following a dispute tied to ongoing rivalries, marking the second mass shooting in as many weekends in New York involving alleged gang members.
A Barrage of Gunfire Amid Families and Players
The attack began around 7:27 p.m., as spectators lined the court and teams wrapped up tournament play. Witnesses described a chaotic scene—players and parents diving for cover as rounds cracked across the park. Multiple 911 calls brought officers to the area within minutes; EMS teams triaged victims before transporting them to Jacobi and Montefiore.
A Mother’s Plea and a Neighborhood on Edge
Jennifer Talbot, mother of the critically wounded teenager, appealed for calm and accountability, urging anyone with video or firsthand knowledge to cooperate with detectives. Residents said the shooting has rattled a community that sees youth sports as a safe haven, renewing calls for targeted violence-intervention programs and visible patrols at big park events.
What We Know About the Motive
While the precise motive remains under investigation, detectives are examining social-media posts, prior incidents, and neighborhood gang dynamics that may have escalated into Saturday’s deadly ambush. Police emphasized that additional arrests are possible as they analyze ballistic evidence and surveillance footage from around the park.
How to Help the Investigation
The NYPD is asking witnesses to submit photos or video from Haffen Park around the time of the shooting and to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously. Community leaders are coordinating with violence interrupters and youth-program organizers to ensure upcoming tournaments have de-escalation support and security planning in place.
The Path Forward for Baychester
In the coming days, local clergy, coaches, and nonprofits plan vigils and outreach for the victims’ families, including Anthonaya Campbell and Jaceil Banks’ loved ones. Advocates say sustained investment in mentorship, employment pipelines, and conflict mediation—paired with precise policing—offers the best chance to keep games on the court and guns out of the park.
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