The 15-year-old boy shot to death in a Bronx apartment last week was killed by another teen who announced he was going to cause “pain” before opening fire.
According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, 15-year-old Riley Billingslea had gathered with friends on Aug. 12 in the bedroom of a 5th-floor apartment located 2825 Claflin Avenue when the fatal shooting occurred. Authorities say during the hangout another boy, identified as 16-year-old Kalvin Veloz suddenly brandished an firearm and opened fire.
“He produces a firearm from his backpack, inserts a magazine, racks the gun back, and makes a statement: ‘I’m going to throw some pain.’ And at that point, he shoots Riley in the head, killing him instantly,” Chief Kenny said.
During the shooting, Veloz also allegedly struck a 13-year-old boy with a graze wound to the chest. Police say the bullet hit the wall and ricocheted into his chest.
While Billingslea, who authorities confirmed did not have a criminal history, was pronounced dead at the scene, police tracked the 13-year-old boy to his home and found him with a graze wound to his torso. He was rushed to Saint Barnabas Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
Meanwhile, the motive for the shooting is not exactly clear. Veloz, who is known among his friends for being a bully and even burned a child in an unreported incident, remains on the lam. The NYPD warrant squad is currently hunting him.
During a vigil for the victim on Tuesday, Billingslea’s family called for Veloz to turn himself in to police.
“Do right. Riley never did nobody wrong,” his mother, Ketrice Riley, said.
Anyone with information regarding this murder can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.