Goldsboro, N.C. — A 13‑year‑old girl was shot and killed Sunday afternoon in Goldsboro, prompting a swift investigation that led to the arrest of three teenage boys now charged with first‑degree murder.

The victim, identified by family members as Jaleeyah “LeeLee” Tune, was found suffering from a gunshot wound around 4:35 p.m. in the 200 block of North Alpha Court, near the Alpha Arms Apartments. Goldsboro Police officers responded after receiving a report of shots fired in the area.

Emergency responders with Wayne County EMS pronounced the young girl dead at the scene.

According to the Goldsboro Police Department, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division worked through the night and into Monday, ultimately identifying three suspects — a 15‑year‑old and two 16‑year‑olds. All three were taken into custody on Monday and charged with first‑degree murder and felony conspiracy. Because they are juveniles, their names have not been released.

The teens were transported to the Pitt Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Greenville, where they remain in custody.

Police have not released a motive for the shooting, and investigators have not said whether the incident was targeted or random. The case remains active.

In the hours following the tragedy, a growing memorial of balloons, flowers, and stuffed animals appeared near the scene as neighbors and family members gathered to grieve. Community members described Jaleeyah as a bright, joyful girl whose smile “lit up every room she walked into.”

Local leaders and residents are once again calling attention to the rise in youth gun violence, noting that both the victim and the suspects were children.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Goldsboro Police Department or Crime Stoppers.