BRONX, NY – A persistent social media bullying campaign ended in a 17-year-old girl from Bronx being fatally stabbed in daylight by a teenage rival, according to law enforcement officials.
The victim, identified as Emery Mizell, the eldest of four children, was stabbed in the chest around 2:15 p.m. on Thursday on Boynton Avenue, near Watson Avenue, in the Soundview neighborhood. The attacker, a 15-year-old girl whose identity is undisclosed due to her juvenile status, was arrested and promptly charged with murder, manslaughter, and illegal weapon possession.
The aftermath of the senseless act left Mizell’s family and friends reeling in grief. Outside her apartment building on Evergreen Avenue, an emotional memorial was held on Friday. 13-year-old Gianna, Mizell’s younger sister, who’s now the eldest sibling, expressed her profound loss, reminiscing about the shared moments of laughter, singing, dancing, and mutual support with her late sister.
Authorities cited an ongoing disagreement between Mizell and her accused assailant. The girl was reported to have experienced intense online harassment before the tragedy unfolded. Information regarding the exact nature of the relationship between the two girls, who both attended James Monroe High School, has not been released by the police.
Adding their voices to the narrative of this tragic incident, Mizell’s family members reaffirmed the importance of addressing destructive youth behaviors. Latanya Mizell, Emery’s second cousin, also advocated for better conflict resolution strategies amongst teenagers and sought justice for Emery.
The painful impact of the tragedy also deeply affects Mizell’s younger siblings, Toni, 8, and Josiah, 6, who are mourning the loss of their dear sister.
The victim, who had been anticipating her senior prom and graduation in the coming month, is remembered as a soul full of life and potential, now tragically cut short.