5 teens killed in NYC shootings in a week: 'When's it going to change?'

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Five teenagers were shot and killed in New York City in less than a week.

The victims range in age from 15 to 18. The most recent victim was 18-year-old Joshua Sparrow, who investigators said was gunned down outside a building at 961 Rev James A Polite Ave. in the Longwood section of the Bronx around 7 p.m. Monday.

Police said the incident started as an argument in the lobby of a building on Rev James A Polite Avenue, but it quickly escalated. Sparrow was shot in the head and torso.

Police are searching for three people connected with the shooting. No arrests have been made. 

Jesus Reyes, a Bronx resident who lives in the area, remembers seeing Sparrow around the neighborhood. 

“A good kid,” Reyes said. “You can’t save a life when it’s gone. This is what we deal with on a daily basis in the Bronx. When's it going to change?”

Sparrow was one of five different teenagers killed in shootings in New York City in less than a week.

Clarence Jones, 16, was shot and killed at West 124th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem last Thursday, police said.

A 15-year-old was then fatally shot in East Flatbush on Friday. A 16-year-old was also shot and killed Saturday in Fort Greene, according to authorities.

A 15-year-old was shot and killed in Crown Heights on Sunday, police said.

Groups such as Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence are stepping up and offering teenagers an outlet, support and programs to help. However, advocates say more needs to be done.

“We have to do better as community members and give out more resources to our youth to make sure they have something to do. Because the majority of the youth out here carrying today are trying to protect themselves,” said Brittany Davis, who is with Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence.