Toddler Released from Hospital After Shooting

The mom of two-year-old Ariyanna Price said she is now afraid to take her daughter outside

Two-year-old Ariyanna Prince, one of six people shot when gunfire erupted in Brownsville Sunday afternoon, is back home from the hospital after being treated for a bullet wound to her leg.

"It was scary to be in the hospital with her," Ariyanna's mother, Jahlessa Westry, said Wednesday. "But I'm just glad she's okay."
 
Now, Ariyanna hobbles down the street, mostly because of her injuries. Westry said the bullet went through one end of Ariyanna's leg and out the other, narrowly missing her kneecap.
 
The toddler was with her father near Chester Street and Riverdale Avenue when the shots were fired. He shielded her, and both wound up injured. 

Ariyanna's father was shot in the back, and a teenager and three men in their 20s were also hit in the leg and the back.  All are expected to be OK. But Westry is afraid to take her daughter outside.

"I was afraid of going to the playground after that 4-year-old was shot and killed, but now you can get shot anywhere," she said. "It doesn't matter, if you're just standing outside, it can happen."
 
Four-year-old Lloyd Morgan was gunned down in the Bronx while near a basketball court. He was another unintended victim caught in the crossfire of a gun battle. 
 
Police have released a picture of a white Volkswagon Jetta they are seeking in connection with the Brooklyn shooting, but they have not made any arrests.
 
Westry said of the gunmen, "They have mothers, sisters, they have daughters. They all speak for themselves." 

Get the latest from NBC 4 New York anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Get our apps here and sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.

Contact Us