PATERSON, N.J. - A 12-year-old girl riding a scooter in a northern New Jersey neighborhood was struck and killed by a stray bullet, a shooting authorities said may be linked to another that had occurred in the area several hours earlier.
Paterson police believe the shooter was aiming at someone else when Genesis Rincon was struck at about 8:40 p.m. Saturday on Rosa Parks Boulevard. Two other children who were with her were not injured.
Authorities said Rincon had left a family gathering to go to a nearby store with another girl and a boy, but the store was closed so the youths headed back to the event. They were taking turns riding the scooter and were about a block away from the gathering when multiple shots rang out.
Further details on the shooting, including what type of weapon was used and whether other people may have been involved, were not disclosed Sunday. Authorities said the girl's family was making arrangements to donate her organs.
Authorities are trying to determine if the shooting is connected to one that happened early Saturday about a block away from where Rincon was struck.
In that shooting, a 26-year-old man was wounded in the leg and underwent surgery. He remained hospitalized Sunday in stable condition.
A $2,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the girl's slaying.