Mother pleads for suspect to surrender after teen fatally shot in Bronx apartment

Mother pleads for suspect to surrender after teen fatally shot in Bronx apartment By Anthony Carlo Wednesday, August 19, 2026 3:12AM Anthony Carlo has more on the vigil calling for justice after the murder of 15‑year‑old Riley Billingslea. KINGSBRIDGE HEIGHTS, Bronx (WABC) -- A grieving family in Kingsbridge Heights is calling for justice after 15-year-old Riley Billingslea was fatally shot during a gathering inside a Claflin Avenue apartment.

Billingslea's mother and grandmother wept at a vigil on Tuesday as relatives and neighbors described the anguish of losing the teen, who police say was shot in the head last Wednesday during an argument with another teen.

A 13-year-old was also grazed by a bullet.

Elaine Rogers, Billingslea's grandmother, had a message for the 16-year-old accused of killing her grandson.

"I want to say to the parents: if you're hiding him, let him go-let him face justice. He took my grandson. Riley was a really good kid. He was," she said before breaking down in tears.

Rogers said her grandson was the biggest joy in her life.

Community members gathered on the street, expressing frustration over youth violence and the accessibility of guns.

"It's like Russian roulette - they're just shooting and killing! And don't care who they doing it (to). Where are these kids getting these guns from? I don't know, but I'm tired right now," one community member said. Another added, "Stop calling on the system because the system may get it right and it may get it wrong. But a father can always get it right when he shows up to be a dad."

Billingslea had been attending military school and was looking toward a promising future.

Friends said his death has left their world dimmer.

"He always made everybody laugh. That was something Riley knew how to do. He made a lot of people laugh," said friend Kaden Hoheb. "This world is just full of hatred. And I just want the world to be better."

At a balloon release, Billingslea's mother, Ketrice Riley, also urged the teen involved to come forward.

"Young man, turn yourself in. Do right. Riley ain't never did nobody wrong," she said. "Put an end to this. Where we can stop asking questions - you can let us know you meant nothing. This was an accident. Let me understand that. Because right now I can't. Riley was my love."

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: ABC7 New York. Open at source →