Cops: Suspect in N.J. high school student's death arrested
PATERSON, N.J. -- Police say they have arrested a suspect in the drive-by shooting death of high school student and star basketball player Armoni Sexton, reports CBS New York.
The 15-year-old Sexton was shot and killed around 8:30 p.m. Saturday on Rosa Parks Boulevard in Paterson, about 10 miles from New York City. Investigators say they have arrested 20-year-old Gregory Oliver in connection with the teen's death, according to the station.
"I'm just trying to deal with it, like I don't think it really hit me yet," Lawanda Sexton, his mother, told CBS New York.
Sexton's mother said despite her grief, she forgives her son's alleged killer, but wants justice done, reported the station.
Three other people were wounded in the shooting, but are expected to survive, according to CBS New York. The alleged shooter is facing murder, multiple counts of attempted murder and weapons possession charges, police say.
Many believed that Sexton, a nationally ranked basketball player, had what it takes to go pro. Coaches and students remember him fondly.
"He had the power to have people follow him," coach Tommie Patterson said. "It's still not real."
The shooting was reportedly the seventh in Paterson in nine days, and the third time in less than a year than a child has been killed by random gunfire, according to CBS New York.
Last July, a 12-year-old girl was shot in the head and killed as she rode on a scooter. Two months later, a 14-year-old teen was shot and killed as she walked home from playing basketball, according to the station.
The investigation into Sexton's death is ongoing. Police urge anyone with information about the shooting to call 973-321-1120, 973-523-TIPS or text "TIPS" to 274637.