The fatal shooting of 13-year-old Jaleeyah Tune in Goldsboro, North Carolina, has left a family grieving and a community grappling with the loss of a young life just days before Christmas. The incident, which occurred in the late afternoon of December 21, unfolded suddenly as Jaleeyah and her sister were walking home, according to police and family members.
Authorities say the girl was shot and killed by a group of boys she did not know, an act that has since led to the arrest of three teenage suspects. As investigators continue their work, details released by law enforcement and loved ones have outlined the moments leading up to the shooting, the legal steps taken in its aftermath, and the life of a child remembered for her resilience and joy.
The Shooting in Goldsboro and Police Response
Police in Goldsboro said officers were called to the scene around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, following reports of a shooting. When emergency responders arrived, they found Jaleeyah Tune with gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to local authorities cited by ABC 11, Fox affiliate WGHP, and Spectrum News. The shooting occurred as Jaleeyah Tune and her sister were walking home, a routine moment that turned fatal without warning.
Jaleeyah Tune’s sister, J’Sheeyah Tune, told ABC 11 that the two girls were approached from behind by a group of boys they did not recognize. According to her account, the boys opened fire from behind a bush, leaving no opportunity for the sisters to escape or seek help. J’Sheeyah said she held her sister in her final moments, a detail that underscores the suddenness and violence of the incident. Police have not publicly disclosed a motive, and there has been no indication from authorities that the victim or her family knew the suspects.
In the days following the shooting, investigators worked to identify and locate those responsible. Police announced that three teenage suspects were arrested in connection with Jaleeyah Tune’s death. The suspects include two 16-year-old boys and one 15-year-old boy. All three have been charged with first-degree murder and felony conspiracy, according to police statements cited by multiple news outlets. Because of their ages, authorities have not released the suspects’ names. WGHP reported that they are being held at the Pitt Juvenile Detention Center in Greenville.
13 year-old Jaleeyah Tune was fatally shot in an ambush by three teenage boys just before Christmas while walking home. She died in her sister’s arms in North Carolina.
— Rain Drops Media (@Raindropsmedia1) December 26, 2025
Her mother said: “She was my miracle baby. She was born premature. She came home in 2012 right before… pic.twitter.com/gESZFUKpCv
The charges mark a significant step in the investigation, but police have released limited information about the evidence that led to the arrests. Officials have emphasized that the case remains under investigation and that further details may be provided through the court process. For now, the focus has remained on the loss of a young life and the legal proceedings that will determine the next steps for those accused.
Arrests, Charges, and the Juvenile Justice Process
The decision to charge the three suspects with first-degree murder and felony conspiracy reflects the seriousness with which prosecutors and law enforcement are treating the case. First-degree murder charges typically indicate allegations of intentional and premeditated killing, while felony conspiracy suggests that authorities believe the suspects acted together in planning or carrying out the crime. Although the suspects are minors, the charges themselves carry severe implications under North Carolina law.
Because all three suspects are under the age of 18, their cases will initially move through the juvenile justice system. Authorities have not said whether prosecutors will seek to transfer any of the cases to adult court, a process that can occur in certain circumstances depending on the severity of the charges and the ages of the defendants. At this stage, officials have only confirmed that the teenagers are being held in a juvenile detention facility while the legal process continues.
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The handling of such cases often draws public attention, particularly when both the victim and the accused are minors. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated that the withholding of the suspects’ names is required due to their ages. Court proceedings in juvenile cases are also generally less public than those involving adult defendants, which can limit the amount of information available as the case moves forward.
Local authorities have not indicated whether additional suspects are being sought or whether a weapon has been recovered. Police have also not released information about any prior interactions between the suspects and law enforcement. As the case progresses, prosecutors will be tasked with presenting evidence to support the charges, while defense attorneys will represent the accused within the framework of juvenile law.
For the community, the arrests have provided some measure of clarity about who police believe is responsible, even as many questions remain unanswered. The legal process is expected to take time, and officials have urged the public to allow the courts to proceed without interference or speculation.
Remembering Jaleeyah Tune and the Community’s Response
Beyond the investigation and arrests, Jaleeyah Tune’s life and the impact of her death have been central to how her family and loved ones are remembering her. On a GoFundMe campaign created to help cover memorial expenses, relatives described Jaleeyah Tune as a “fighter from the very beginning.” According to the fundraiser, she was born prematurely, weighing just 2 pounds, and spent her earliest days in the hospital. She came home on Christmas Eve, a moment her family described as a miracle and one that has taken on added significance following her death just days before another Christmas.
The fundraiser notes that Jaleeyah Tune continued to show strength and resilience throughout her life, qualities that her family said defined her. Loved ones remembered her for her infectious laughter and her ability to bring joy to those around her, regardless of the challenges she faced. These descriptions have painted a picture of a child whose presence left a lasting impression on family members and friends.
As of December 25, the GoFundMe campaign had raised nearly $12,000 to assist with memorial costs. The fundraising effort has served not only as a means of financial support but also as a space for community members to express condolences and share memories. Messages posted alongside donations reflect a broader sense of loss felt beyond Jaleeyah’s immediate family, extending to neighbors and others who learned of her story.
The shooting has also drawn attention to concerns about youth violence and public safety in the area, though officials have focused their statements on the specifics of the case rather than broader policy discussions. Community members have gathered informally to mourn, and local news coverage has kept the focus on Jaleeyah Tune’s life as well as the ongoing legal process.
For J’Sheeyah Tune and the rest of the family, the loss is deeply personal. J’Sheeyah’s account of holding her sister in her final moments has underscored the profound trauma left behind. As the legal case moves forward, Jaleeyah’s family continues to grieve a child they described as joyful, resilient, and deeply loved, while the community awaits further developments from the courts and law enforcement.
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