Teen boy dies after shooting in Wilmington neighborhood

WILMINGTON, Del. - An investigation is underway after a shooting claimed the life of a teenager in Wilmington Monday evening.

What we know:

A 16-year-old gunshot victim was found on the 200 block of West 25th Street just before 6:30 p.m.

He was transported to a local hospital, but later succumbed to his injuries.

Police later identified the victim as Troy Kirkland.

What they're saying:

Tameeka Smith says she was just about to leave her home near the corner of West 25th Street and N West Street in Wilmington, to join the many people enjoying the nice weather.

"I was on my way there and God was on my side because it was something like, don’t go out the door yet, and I didn’t, and next thing you know, I just heard ‘pow, pow, pow,’ and I seen people running," she said.

Smith believes there was a car that drove by and someone inside opened fire at Kirkland. She says she often sees him on his scooter in the neighborhood.

"It’s so sad because I see him often, so seeing him laying down on that ground, lifeless, was very heartbreaking, very heartbreaking," she said.

Mayor John Carney spoke with FOX 29 over the phone about the first reported homicide in the city of Wilmington in 2025. He says his number one priority is to keep the streets safe.

With just over two months into the new role, he says one of his goals is to continue the work he did as Governor with group violence intervention, and focus on young people in groups and gangs to keep them on the right path at school.

A neighbor, who asked that FOX 29 only identify her as Jamilah, says she rushed to call her 16-year-old son after hearing the gunshots, to ensure he was OK. She says her son attends high school with the victim.

"He said that he went to school with the little boy and he’s going to miss him being on the bus, seeing him on the bus in the morning," she said. "I’m very paranoid and scared for his life."

What we don't know:

A motive is still unknown, and no arrests have been announced.

The shooting is under investigation.