CLOSE DISTANCE: A suspect in the Roy Wilkins Park case involving Jaden Pierre is reportedly located just 500 meters from the victim’s home —

Jaden Pierre.Credit : Facebook

A 15-year-old boy was fatally shot in front of onlookers at a playground in New York City — and the search for the gunman continues days later.

Jaden Pierre was shot and killed at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens at 6:15 p.m. local time on Thursday, April 16, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) said.

The teenager suffered a gunshot wound to the chest during a fight on a basketball court. He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition and later died there, the NYPD confirmed to PEOPLE.

The NYPD released photos of a young man they believe to be the suspect in the shooting. He can be seen in the images with short dreadlocks, wearing a light gray printed tracksuit and a black backpack.

Footage of the incident that was shared on X by former New York City Mayor Eric Adams shows a group of teenagers allegedly attacking Pierre at the playground.

An individual then allegedly shoots him in the chest at point-blank range, and the teen can be seen falling backwards.

One witness told CBS News, “I came over here, I heard a shot go off, so I came running over here to make sure everybody was okay, especially my friends, and I saw a kid lying dead.”

“And I know him from coming over here to play basketball. Good basketball player, cool kid,” the eyewitness added.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement on X, “My heart is heavy tonight after we lost a 15-year-old to a senseless act of gun violence.”

She added, “I’m praying for his family, loved ones, and community. I will continue to work tirelessly every day to end gun violence in New York.”

No suspects have been identified or arrested and charged in connection with the shooting as of early Sunday, April 19.

A motive for the shooting is not yet known.

The NYPD is asking anyone with information about the incident to call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).