As the anniversary of her daughter's death approaches, Nadine McKenzie, of Mount Vernon, says she is not really looking forward to Christmas.
Prosecutors say
David Hardy, 21, killed Shamoya McKenzie, 13, who was an innocent bystander in a gang-related shooting. They say Hardy fired multiple shots on East Third Street in Mount Vernon, inadvertently striking Shamoya McKenzie, who was in the passenger seat of her mother's car. The incident occurred on New Year's Eve.
"I noticed a hole in my car, and I saw her slumped down to me. And I said, 'Shamoya stop playing.' Unfortunately, she wasn't playing," said
McKenzie.
On Thursday, federal prosecutors indicted Hardy and several other members of the "Goonies" street gang in connection to the rising basketball star's slaying and the fatal shooting of a Harrison man back in 2014.
Mount Vernon's mayor has applauded the federal indictments against the alleged gang members, saying
Shamoya's loss has strengthened the city's resolve to rid the community of crime.
In a statement Mayor Richard Thomas said, "Our partnerships with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the state of New York and a diverse coalition of law enforcement organizations has bolstered Mount Vernon's ability to strike back at evil acts and holding the individuals responsible, accountable for their cowardly actions."
Nadine McKenzie and her family continue to mourn the loss of a loved one taken far too soon.
"My family is heartbroken," she told News 12.
A memorial ceremony is being planned next week to mark the one-year anniversary of Shamoya's death.
Go HERE for an extended interview with Nadine McKenzie.