Community Asked To Aid Shot Brooklyn Boy

Local leaders reached out Tuesday to help the family of a boy who was shot last week in Brooklyn.

Shamshawan Kelly, 9, is recovering at Kings County Hospital after being struck by a stray bullet while playing outside his home in Weeksville.

Two 18-year-olds were arrested in connection with the shooting.

Councilwoman Leticia James is asking the community for donations to Kelly's family, so they can pay for medical expenses not covered by insurance.

"He is recovering well, and his mother needs the support of the human family," said James. "And we did it before, and we'll do it again. And so I urge all New Yorkers to open up their pockets and contribute to this rehabilitation fund for Shamshawan Kelly."

"I didn't want to be in this position. I hope never to ever be in it again, or have to deal with anybody. It's a tragedy, and I just want him to be better," said the boy's mother, Larene Kelly.

The plea for help was also meant to spotlight the effects of gun violence.

The same afternoon, just 20 blocks away, three people were shot in East Flatbush and one was killed.

Once again, stunned neighbors tried to make sense of it all.

"It's just real quiet. Real quiet, calm. Its kids, they all play, run around. It's really happy over here," said resident Joi Guzman.

Donations can be sent to Larene Kelly, care of Carver Federal Savings Bank at 4 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, NY, 11217, or checks can be given to any branch of Carver Federal Savings Bank.