"Surviving Gun Violence: A Mother's Story in the Bronx"

[!CDATA[A mother in the Bronx was hit by stray bullets near Fordham University while on her way to buy school lunches for her children. Starli Sanchez, a city worker, expressed her trauma after being injured in the shooting incident that also claimed the life of a 57-year-old man in Fordham Heights. Sanchez, who is married with a 10-year-old daughter and a 13-year-old son, voiced her concerns about the increasing violence in the city, attributing it to the prevalence of illegal guns among the youth. Sanchez recounted the terrifying moment when she heard gunshots while walking to the store with her cousin, initially mistaking the sound for fireworks. She realized she had been shot in the leg and had to seek cover. Her husband rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, fearing for her safety. The shooting also resulted in the death of Kevin Jennings, a bystander who was hit in the head while using a walker. The shooting, believed to have stemmed from a dispute between men, has left the community shaken. Sanchez's husband described the harrowing experience of seeing his wife injured and trying to reassure their children about her condition. Sanchez, now recovering at home with her leg wrapped, expressed gratitude that her children were not with her during the incident, fearing the impact it could have had on them. The close call has left Sanchez concerned about the lasting effects on her children, particularly their fear of going to the park where the shooting occurred. The family is contemplating leaving the city due to the escalating violence and the prevalence of illegal firearms. Sanchez emphasized the need for authorities to address the issue of gun violence to ensure the safety of residents in the city.]]