The family of 11-year-old Matthew Degroat, who was fatally shot inside his home in the City of Newburgh last week, is breaking their silence — sharing their grief and gratitude in an exclusive statement to News 12.

According to police, Degroat was shot by another child inside his North Miller Street home last Thursday morning while several children were present.

A 13-year-old boy — who police say is not related to Degroat — has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder as a juvenile offender in Orange County Court.

In a statement provided to News 12, Matthew’s family thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department and all agencies involved in quickly apprehending the shooter. They also expressed appreciation for the community’s support and for the SNUG antigun-violence program, which has continued to stand by them in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“On behalf of our family, we want to thank the City of Newburgh and all police agencies involved in the apprehension of the shooter. We send a huge thank-you to the SNUG group, its community partners, and everyone for their continued prayers and support in our time of need. Matthew may be gone, but he will never be forgotten,” the family said in their statement.

News 12 has obtained and viewed a video that shows Matthew being bullied and slapped by another male child in the days before his death. An official source confirms that authorities have reviewed the footage and that it is part of the ongoing investigation.

The Regional Economic Community Action Program’s SNUG his assisting the Degroat family as they grieve. The initiative works to prevent gun violence and provide crisis support to affected families.

For more information about SNUG’s work and ways to support the family email Mmckeon@recap.org or visit recap.org.