Young teen boy killed over $50 necklace

Greenville, N.C. – A 13-year-old boy was fatally shot in Greenville on July 25 after being targeted in what authorities describe as a robbery over a $50 necklace.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., police responded to calls in the 3800 block of Sterling Pointe Drive. When officers arrived, they found Emiliano Gutierrez-Boviall with gunshot wounds. He was rushed to ECU Health Medical Center, where he later died.

Investigators say two teenage boys — a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old — were charged in connection with the homicide. Because they are minors, local officials have not released their names. One of the teens is reportedly being prosecuted as an adult.

Court documents state that the suspects attempted to steal Emiliano’s necklace, valued at about $50. In the course of the robbery, the victim was shot.

The case has drawn attention not only because of the youth of the victim and suspects, but also because of questions it raises about juvenile justice, community safety, and the circumstances that lead to such a tragic confrontation over what would appear to be a relatively modest item.