Suspect in custody following deadly shooting of 14-year-old Justin Streeter in Harlem
NEW YORK -- A teenage suspect is now in custody in the deadly shooting of 14-year-old Justin Streeter last week in Harlem.
As CBS2's Elijah Westbrook reported, investigators believe it may have been a case of mistaken identity.
Police said the 17-year-old suspect turned himself in Monday, accompanied by his mother and lawyer. He's expected to face several charges Tuesday in Manhattan criminal court, including murder, attempted murder, assault and criminal use of a firearm.
CBS2 spoke with Streeter's father last week.
"He was a child, just going to the store with his best friend," Damon Streeter told CBS2's Nick Caloway. "They took my son from me."
Police said the 14-year-old and his 15-year-old friend were shot while leaving a deli last Tuesday on East 128th Street.
Streeter was hit in the head and died at Harlem Hospital. The other teen was struck in the leg and survived.
"I don't know what to feel," Streeter's father said. "But I know my son is in a better place right now. And I want justice, justice."
The grieving father said he moved his family to Plainfield, New Jersey two years ago to get the kids away from violence in the city. His son was visiting his grandparents in Harlem when he was killed.
Sources told CBS2 the area is considered to be gang territory. Police sources told CBS2 investigators believe the shooting was gang-related, and the suspect thought the victims were part of a rival gang. Sources also said the victims had no gang affiliations, and the motive remains under investigation.
