A 10-year-old boy who was shot and killed at his house in South Jersey earlier this week, leaving the community reeling, has been identified.
Elijah Rodriguez was alone in his Washington Township home when he was fatally shot, police said. His family confirmed his identity in a GoFundMe fundraiser, which has so far raised upwards of $35,000 to support his family, shattering its $5,000 goal.
“We are heartbroken to share the loss of our sweet Elijah, who passed away at just 10 years old,” a note on the fundraising page reads. “He brought light, laughter and love to everyone around him, and our lives will never be the same.”
Authorities were called to the residence, located some 15 miles south of Philadelphia, on Tuesday just before 2:30 p.m., police said. When they arrived, Elijah was found unresponsive, prompting first responders to carry out life-saving measures in a bid to revive him. But despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead on the scene.
He was a student at Birches Elementary School, not far from his home, local CBS affiliate KYW reported.
The boy’s death remains under investigation, and police have not yet said whether the shooting was accidental.
Elijah is survived by his parents and two sisters.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Washington Township Police Department at 856-589-0330.
