PHILADELPHIA, PA – A 15-year-old Philadelphia student was chased and gunned down, shot ten times on Monday just a few blocks from his school.
Today, that victim was identified as 15-year-old Neko Rivera.
Rivera was walking near Fels High School in Northeast Philadelphia when three gunman began chasing him down Algon Avenue. Police say Rivera was shot ten times.
Police said the shooting could be linked to a fight at the school earlier in the day involving several individuals who did not attend the school. School officials said that fight was over a stolen cell phone.
The school was placed on lockdown as a result.
Later, Rivera appeared to be targeted by the three gunmen. He was pronounced dead.
At this time, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been identified.
“Violence is never an acceptable means to conflict resolution, and we echo the District’s commitment to teaching and reinforcing appropriate conflict resolution skills to our students, and encourage students to seek solutions from a caring adult in our building if they need support,” the school said in a letter to parents. “Our deepest condolences and thoughts go out to the family and friends of this student. Ours is a tight-knit community, and I know this is difficult news to receive. Death is rarely something that is easy to accept, especially when it involves a young person and particularly during these times as our city grapples with heightened gun violence.”