A Queens mother is reliving the worst day of her life after a 13-year-old boy was shot in the head at the same location her own 13-year-old son was killed by a stray bullet 16 years ago.
Donna Hood-Greaves said she “lost it” Monday when she learned the Queens street corner renamed for her murdered son is now the site of another senseless shooting that left a boy clinging to life the same age as her slain son.
“To hear this happening to someone again, to someone else, it’s just heartbreaking,” said Hood-Greaves, whose son, Kevin Miller Jr., was slain on Oct. 2, 2009. “It just sent a weird feeling through my whole body. That’s the same sidewalk, maybe just a few feet away.”
A large poster honoring Kevin still hangs from a street pole at that corner. On Monday, yellow police tape was tied to the pole, marking the new crime scene.
Like Kevin, the latest shooting victim was shot in the head near Springfield and Linden Blvds. in Cambria Heights, and rushed to the same hospital, Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
Unlike Kevin, the boy was still alive, clinging to life on the strength of prayers from family, friends and strangers like Kevin’s mom.
“When I saw it on the news, I took a moment to bow my head and pray for that family,” Hood-Greaves said.
“It never gets easier,” she added. “It’s something you never get over. You never get over when something that drastic hits.”
Kevin was killed on his father’s birthday.
”His father doesn’t even celebrate his birthday anymore,” she said.
Hood-Greaves has been working to keep Kevin’s memory alive, like sponsoring scholarship fundraisers and gift cards for local students.
“He wasn’t your average kid, not to me,” she said. “He always wanted to do the right thing.”
The still grieving mother said she can still remember what she was wearing the day her son died — largely because he helped her pick the outfit.
“My son was a fashion king,” she said. “I had a whole bunch of new clothes for him when he passed away. These were all his school clothes.”
The latest victim was shot about 8:20 a.m., likely on his way to school.
”At 8:20 in the morning, why isn’t it safe to be on your way to school?” Hood-Greaves said. “My son was on his way home from school.”
Before he could make it home, Kevin crossed paths with some people who were fighting. When the shots rang out, his friend looked back to see Kevin on the ground.
She still remembers the time, 3:15 p.m.
Hood-Greaves said she couldn’t understand why gun violence remains a problem. Even with crime stats pointing to fewer shootings and victims, she said young mothers and their children still can’t get a break.
“I don’t know where they see that crime is down,” she said. “Every time when you put the TV on or read a newspaper, there are always shootings. It’s always something. It’s shootings or stabbings or something. It’s sickening.”
