In a tragic turn of events that unfolded on the streets of Syracuse, New York, 15-year-old Deron 'Deej' McGee, a male, lost his life in a shooting. On the night of August 12, 2024, at approximately 10:58 p.m., the Syracuse Police Department was alerted to a shooting with injuries after McGee was brought to University Hospital in a private vehicle. Investigators determined that the shooting took place in the 200 block of Westmoreland Avenue.
McGee had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and succumbed to his injuries on August 15, 2024.
The investigation into the homicide led by the Criminal Investigation Division involved extensive interviews, canvassing of the neighborhood, and the execution of several search warrants. This meticulous police work led to the identification of three suspects. The evidence suggested a harrowing scenario in which the suspects, all riding in the same vehicle as McGee, opened fire on a group of pedestrians outside an apartment complex on Westmoreland Avenue. During this barrage of gunfire, a bullet struck McGee in the back of the head as he sat in the back seat of the car. It was noted by investigators that none of the pedestrians returned fire at the vehicle. Following his injury, McGee was transported to the hospital where he died days later. In a selfless act, his family chose to donate his organs.
In a significant development in the case, three 16-year-old male juveniles from Syracuse were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting. The teenage suspects were subsequently charged with Murder in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. Following their arraignment, all three were remanded to the Hillbrook Detention Center. The investigation remains active, and authorities have encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.
