Albany police chief: Kids have ‘way too much’ access to guns
Two 15-year-olds were arraigned on murder charges Monday in a case that has local law enforcement officials talking.
The teens are accused of killing Quadair Hoffler on Feb 10. The Rensselaer man was found unresponsive in his vehicle around 1:40 a.m. in the 200 block of Yates Street near South Lake Avenue.
Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox commented on the case at a crime victims event on Tuesday.
“I wish I could say I am surprised; but no, I’m not, because there’s way too much access to guns for our young kids,” he said.
One teen was charged with two counts of murder – one for intentional murder and one for murder in the midst of a crime – as well criminal possession of a weapon, and two counts of attempted robbery. The second teen was charged with second-degree murder and attempted robbery. Their names cannot be released because of their age.
“We need to do more to make sure that we don’t have our kids out on the street thinking it’s OK to carry a gun and winding up shooting somebody,” Cox said.
Albany County District Lee Kindlon said his office is working with law enforcement partners to bring justice to victims.