Gunman who shot nyc teen now facing murder charges after victim passes at hospital
NYPD

Gunman who shot NYC teen now facing murder charges after victim passes at hospital

NEW YORK — A 17-year-old boy shot in the head in East Harlem earlier this month has died from his injuries, police said, more than a week after the arrest of the alleged gunman.

Chance Leggett, of 425 East 105 Street in Manhattan, was found with a gunshot wound to the head at around 5:48 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, after officers responded to a 911 call reporting an assault at 151 East 115 Street in the 23rd Precinct.

Emergency medical personnel transported Leggett to NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday and was pronounced dead by hospital staff.

Police arrested Jermaine Vanderhorst, 19, of 1632 Undercliff Avenue in the Bronx, the day after the shooting. He was taken into custody at 9:15 p.m. on May 18 in the 5th Precinct.

Charges expected to be upgraded after victim’s death

At the time of his arrest, Vanderhorst was charged with attempted murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. With Leggett’s death now confirmed, investigators are expected to pursue upgraded charges.

The NYPD’s investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.