‘He won’t get pardoned from God.’ Family of East New York shooting victim speaks to News 12
The victim’s family spoke exclusively with News 12 on Thursday, but they asked not to be identified out of fear of retaliation from the gunman – who is still on the run.
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Loved ones are speaking out after 18-year-old Steven Lantigua was fatally shot in the chest in East New York last week.
The shooting happened shortly after 3:30 p.m. on April 10 on Drew Street off Linden Boulevard.
The victim’s family spoke exclusively with News 12 on Thursday, but they asked not to be identified out of fear of retaliation from the gunman – who is still on the run.
“[Lantigua] was young, full of life, ready to bloom,” said one family member.
“It’s something really painful for everybody,” said another loved one. “He has a lot of people who love him and we want justice.”
Family members said the victim worked for Uber Eats, and they believed that he may have been making a delivery at the time of the shooting.
The NYPD was not able to confirm that on Thursday.
Last week, two young witnesses told News 12 that they saw the victim fall to the ground and the gunman run off. They then called 911.
“I do appreciate that they did say something and they at least called,” said a victim’s family member. “I just want to reach out and tell them thank you.”
It is still unclear what led to the deadly shooting.
The family said they’re raising money for Lantigua’s funeral. They also called for the gunman to turn himself in.
"Nobody has the right to take no one’s life,” said a loved one. “It doesn’t matter. [The gunman] didn’t have the right to do that.”
“He won’t get pardoned from God because no one deserves to die like this,” said another.
