Her Teen Daughter Was Killed; Now Mom’s Home Ravaged By Fire

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (AP) — A mother whose 13-year-old daughter was killed by a stray bullet is facing new losses: Her suburban New York home was engulfed in a fire.

Nadine McKenzie was among 12 people displaced by Sunday's blaze at a multi-family house in Mount Vernon. Sunday was the first anniversary of Shamoya McKenzie's burial.

The eighth-grader was shot in the head while riding home from basketball practice in her mother's car Dec. 31, 2016. Prosecutors say the gunman was aiming for a gang rival of his.

Authorities aren't certain what sparked Sunday's blaze. Mayor Richard Thomas says officials saved photos and trophies from Shamoya's room and hope more can be salvaged.

Her mother tells The Journal News the fire is bringing her down, but she's trying to "relax and pray a lot."