5 Being Questioned in Shooting Death of Child at Bronx Playground

Authorities say two other men were shot but are expected to survive

At least five people are being questioned in connection with a shooting at a Bronx park Sunday night that killed a little boy who got caught in the crossfire, law enforcement sources tell NBC 4 New York.

Detectives believe the shooting involved four members of one group against an unidentified individual, sources said.

Lloyd Morgan, 4, was caught in the crossfire when gunshots erupted in the Forest Houses Park in Morrisania. A 17-year-old individual among those being questioned admitted shooting a gun at the scene, but said he fired in self defense, sources said.

Police speculate at least three, possibly four, different guns were used in the shooting. Three different types of ammunition were used. Police believe revenge may have been the motive.

The gunfire broke out on a basketball court during a game that was being played as part of a memorial for a victim of violence, a woman who died here more than a year ago, residents said.

Morgan was struck in the head by a stray bullet and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital a short time later.

"My baby is gone," said his mother, Shianne Norman.

Authorities say two other men were also shot. A 27-year-old was shot in the stomach and a 21-year-old was shot in the arm. Both are expected to survive.

"A massive amount of shots just out of the blue, and then another massive amount of shots out of the blue, and then my baby was gone," his mother sobbed.

Residents described chaos as people began running throughout the park and parents grabbed their children.  

The investigation is ongoing.

Community leaders at a rally Monday night called on anyone with information to come forward. 

"If you know who was involved in that crime, you need to come forward," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. "It is saving a life."

"People deserve to have weekends where they can watch basketball," said Quinn. "People deserve to have weekends where they can be outside enjoying their city."

Mayor Bloomberg, who has taken a lead role in calling for stronger gun control, extended his condolences to the child's family, as lawmakers, clergy and residents in the community planned to rally Monday afternoon to call for an end to the violence. A rash of shootings -- including several in playgrounds and ball courts -- has plagued the city in recent weeks.

Bronx Assemblyman Eric Stevenson called the shooting "the last straw" and said he now supports Mayor Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and their efforts to reduce gun violence.

"The pastors who preach God's word are now called on to do God's work and come out and stand up for justice," he said in a statement. "If stop-and-frisk can prevent these types of crimes maybe we should have it."

Lloyd's mother begged anyone with knowledge of the shooters to come forward.

"Please please, if you find it in your heart," she said. "There's no snitching when it's a 4-year-old little boy."

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