A family graduation party in Buffalo turned tragic when a three-year-old toddler was shot dead while playing with his tricycle outside. Ramone Carter, riding his tricycle with his 7-year-old sister Jamiah, was caught in the crossfire during the gathering on Friday night. Both siblings were rushed to the hospital, but Ramone tragically succumbed to his injuries.
On Saturday, family members and anti-violence organizations gathered to honor Ramone’s young life, which was senselessly cut short. Martina Carter, the victim’s sister, expressed her shock and sorrow: “I know we’ve been through a lot of tragedies, but I would have never thought a three-year-old baby playing outside at a graduation party would be in a misfire, shot, and killed.”
Ramone was described by his family as playful and full of joy. “He loved the Buffalo Bills. He always talked about wanting to play football,” Martina added, highlighting the boy’s cheerful spirit and dreams.
Carlanda Meadors, the communications director of Most Valuable Parents (MVP), a Buffalo-based community outreach organization, said the tragedy resonated deeply with those active in the community. “Anytime someone is gunned down in the streets of the City of Buffalo, it hits home, because we are out here advocating against guns. We need to get these guns off the streets and the reality of it is, violence hurts, it doesn’t matter who it is,” Meadors stated.
During a press conference, President of the Buffalo Common Council Christopher Scanlon voiced his heartbreak over the incident. “I’m heartbroken for this mother who’s out here every day for our community, and now she loses a three-year-old child. So please, I’m just begging people to cut it out,” he pleaded.
Authorities are working diligently to seek justice for the devastated family. The Buffalo police have urged anyone with information to contact their confidential tip line at (716) 847-2255. Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane emphasized the prevalence of illegal firearms, saying, “There are just way too many illegal guns on the street and this three-year-old was on his tricycle when he was shot. It’s outrageous.”
Although two people have been interviewed and released, the police need more information from the community to solve the case. Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia made a public appeal: “We are talking about a three-year-old baby that didn’t see his fourth birthday. We need your help. We need to clear this case.”
This tragic event comes as another recent incident in Florida saw a young mother of two, Abrielle Baldwin, 23, shot dead by her 14-year-old brother, Damarcus Coley, during a dispute over Christmas presents. The situation further escalated when their 15-year-old sibling, Darcus, shot Damarcus and then fled the scene, calling their mother afterward.