by Goldsboro, North Carolina — A quiet walk home turned into an unimaginable tragedy when a 13-year-old girl was shot and killed after three teenage boys allegedly jumped out of bushes and opened fire, leaving her older sister to cradle her during her final moments, according to police.
Authorities say the shooting happened Sunday in the 200 block of Alpha Court in Goldsboro, shocking the local community and leaving a family devastated just days before the holidays.
Sisters Were Walking Home When Gunfire Erupted
According to the Goldsboro Police Department, the victim, Jaleeyah Tune, 13, was walking home with her 14-year-old sister, J’Sheeyah Tune, and a group of friends after going out to get food.
As they headed back, police say three teenage boys they did not know — one 15-year-old and two 16-year-olds — suddenly jumped from nearby bushes and began shooting.
Jaleeyah was struck by gunfire and collapsed. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene, officers said.
Sister Describes Holding Jaleeyah as She Died
In an emotional interview, J’Sheeyah described the moments after her sister was shot.
“There was blood all on my hands,” she said. “She looked so scared. I was scared myself.”
The teenager said she held her younger sister as she lay dying, unwilling to let go.
“I didn’t want to wipe it off,” J’Sheeyah said, referring to the blood on her hands. “I still felt her presence. I felt her still with me.”
“I held her in her last moments,” she added.
Neighbors Witness the Aftermath
Residents in the neighborhood described a chaotic and heartbreaking scene as police and emergency crews arrived.
“I saw her laying over there under the sheet,” local resident Jeffery Rudolph told. “I was consoling the family and showing support with them. It was kind of rough.”
Neighbors said the shooting has left many fearful and grieving, especially given the young ages of both the victim and the suspects.
Teen Suspects Arrested, Face Murder Charges
Police confirmed that all three teenage suspects have been arrested and are facing first-degree murder and felony conspiracy charges.
One suspect appeared in court Monday, while the remaining two are scheduled to appear later this week. Due to their ages, authorities have not released the suspects’ names.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive for the shooting, and it remains unclear whether the teens were targeting the group or fired at random.
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A Family Left to Grieve
For J’Sheeyah, the loss of her sister has changed everything.
“She didn’t deserve this at all,” she said. “People are very cruel. Now, I have to live on without my sister.”
Family members and community leaders say the tragedy underscores the growing concern over youth gun violence, especially incidents involving teens as both victims and suspects.
Community Calls for Change
The shooting has renewed calls from residents and advocates for stronger intervention, youth outreach, and violence-prevention efforts in the area. Community members say the loss of a 13-year-old child should never become another statistic.
As the legal process unfolds, loved ones are left clinging to memories of Jaleeyah — a young girl whose life was cut short during what should have been an ordinary walk home.
What steps do you think communities should take to prevent youth violence like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
