Full Breakdown
Brooklyn Community Mourns 7-Month-Old Kaori Patterson-Moore After Fatal Shooting
4/16/2026, 12:22:38 AM
Incident Overview: Tragic Shooting of Kaori Patterson-Moore
On April 1, 2023, 7-month-old Kaori Patterson-Moore was fatally struck by a stray bullet while in her stroller on a Brooklyn street. The shooting occurred near Moore Street and Humboldt Street in East Williamsburg, where her mother was pushing her and her 2-year-old brother. Prosecutors allege that Amuri Greene, 21, fired multiple shots into a crowd while riding on a moped driven by Matthew Rodriguez, 18. Both suspects have been charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder, assault, and weapons possession.
Details of the Incident
According to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, the suspects approached the crowd on a moped and opened fire, resulting in Kaori being hit in the head. The bullet also grazed her brother. Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene but crashed into oncoming traffic shortly after. Surveillance footage captured them being thrown from the moped before they continued to escape. During the crash, the handgun used in the shooting was ejected, and Rodriguez allegedly picked it up and handed it back to Greene.
Legal Proceedings
Rodriguez pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Tuesday and is being held without bail. He stated, "I didn't do it. I didn't know it was gonna happen. It's not my fault. I didn't know he was gonna pull the trigger." Greene is expected to be arraigned soon and faces similar charges. If convicted of second-degree murder, both men could face 25 years to life in prison.
Community Response and Mourning
The tragic loss of Kaori Patterson-Moore has deeply affected the Brooklyn community. A vigil was held to honor her life, with organizers expressing that the tragedy has shaken the community and emphasizing the need for unity in the face of such violence. Family members, including Kaori's godfather Raheem Jennings, described the profound grief experienced by her mother, Lianna Charles-Moore, who has lost her child to gun violence. Jennings remarked on the horrific nature of the incident, stating, "It was horrible. They had to take her out crying, very hysterical."
Official Statements and Calls for Change
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez highlighted the need for change in the community, stating, "A baby should never be buried because of gun violence. This has to be a catalyst for change in our communities." The community's collective mourning reflects a broader concern about gun violence and its impact on families and neighborhoods.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I didn't do it. I didn't know it was gonna happen. It's not my fault. I didn't know he was gonna pull the trigger,” — Matthew Rodriguez, Suspect
- “A baby should never be buried because of gun violence,” — Eric Gonzalez, Brooklyn District Attorney
The case continues to unfold as the community seeks justice for Kaori Patterson-Moore and grapples with the implications of this tragic event.
