Funeral held for Claudia Quaatey, teen girl killed in St. Albans crossfire
ST. ALBANS, Queens (WABC) -- Family, friends, and mourners gathered in Queens to pay their tearful respects to 16-year-old Claudia Quaatey on Friday.
The teen died after she was caught in the crossfire between two groups who were firing shots at each other last month.
Qaatey was shot once in the head while she sat in a car outside P.S. 015 Jackie Robinson. She later died from her wounds.
The tragedy has left the family with an unfathomable void, one that they hope will soon come with answers.
During the wake and funeral service at the J Foster Phillips Funeral Home in St. Albans, the family asked Eyewitness News to attend to not only join in the final farewell, but to share Quaatey's story in hopes of finding the people responsible.
"Claudia loved being Claudia, she loved people," said Benita Bortey of her niece, who family described as an angel.
Bortey, who was fighting back tears, added, "I just implore everybody to please wrap your children in your arms, love them, and talk to them about gun violence. Talk to your children," she advised.
Police released surveillance footage of three individuals of interest that they say are wanted in connection to the shooting.
No arrests have been made.
"We want the people who did this to be caught and brought to justice," said Bortey before calling on the community to "step up."
"If you saw something, say something. Don't be afraid. This could easily be your family member," she added.
Mayor Eric Adams was among those who attended Friday's service and vowed to help the family find justice.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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