Funeral Held for 7-Month-Old Killed by Stray Bullet in Brooklyn

Family and friends mourn the loss of Kaori Patterson-Moore, an unintended victim of a gang-related shooting.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:03am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, shadowy surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the tragic consequences of gun violence.A single spent bullet casing, a stark reminder of the tragic loss of innocent life due to gun violence in this community.NYC Today

A heartbreaking funeral service was held for 7-month-old Kaori Patterson-Moore, who was fatally shot by a stray bullet while in her stroller with her parents in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The child was the unintended victim of a gang-related shooting, leaving her family and community devastated. Reverend Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy, calling for the community to wake up and address the violence.

Why it matters

The tragic death of baby Kaori has shaken the Williamsburg community, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence and its devastating impact on innocent lives. This incident has reignited calls for stricter gun control measures and improved community-police relations to address the root causes of such senseless crimes.

The details

According to police, Kaori was sitting in a stroller with her parents when they heard gunshots. The family ran into a nearby bodega for safety, only to discover that the infant had been shot in the head. Two men, Amari Green and Mathew Rodriguez, have been arrested in connection with the shooting, which authorities say was gang-related.

  • The incident occurred at the beginning of April 2026.
  • Kaori's funeral service was held on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Kaori Patterson-Moore

A 7-month-old girl who was fatally shot by a stray bullet while in her stroller with her parents in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Reverend Al Sharpton

A civil rights activist who delivered the eulogy at Kaori's funeral, calling for the community to address the issue of gun violence.

Amari Green

One of the two men arrested in connection with the shooting that killed Kaori.

Mathew Rodriguez

The second man arrested in connection with the shooting that killed Kaori, who was apprehended in Pennsylvania.

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What they’re saying

“The mom is very, very devastated. She keeps having outbursts. It's very sad, it's very sad.”

— Raheem Jennings, Family friend

“I said that we must turn this tragedy into a wake-up call in our own community. If you can look at a coffin that doesn't even need pallbearers and that doesn't shake you in your heart and in your life, then something's numb about you.”

— Reverend Al Sharpton

What’s next

The New York City Police Department is continuing its investigation into the shooting, and the two suspects, Amari Green and Mathew Rodriguez, will face charges related to Kaori's death.

The takeaway

The tragic loss of baby Kaori has once again highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address gun violence in urban communities. This incident serves as a wake-up call for local leaders, law enforcement, and community members to work together to implement effective strategies that prioritize public safety and prevent such senseless tragedies from occurring in the future.