Boy, 4, dies after being shot in head on Bronx playground

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NBC New York – A 4-year-old boy who dreamed of being a basketball player was killed Sunday night while playing in a Bronx park after he was struck by a stray bullet from a nearby gun battle, police said.

The gunfire broke out on a basketball court during a game that was being played as part of a memorial for a victim of violence, a woman who died here more than a year ago, residents said.

Little Lloyd Morgan, who was caught in the crossfire when gunshots erupted around 9:30 p.m. in the park in the Forest Houses in Morrisania, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

“My baby is gone,” said his mother, Shianne Norman.

Authorities say two other men were also shot. A 27-year-old was shot in the stomach and a 21-year-old was shot in the arm. Both are expected to survive.

Residents described chaos as people began running throughout the park and parents grabbed their children.

No arrests have been made. Police continue to investigate.

Mayor Bloomberg, who has taken a lead role in calling for stronger gun control, extended his condolences to the child’s family, as lawmakers, clergy and residents in the community planned to rally Monday afternoon to call for an end to the violence. A rash of shootings — including several in playgrounds and ball courts — has plagued the city in recent weeks.

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