HARLEM, N.Y. (PIX11) -- A Harlem grandmother and member of the National Action Network was shot and killed just feet from her doorstep, the apparent victim of a stray bullet.
The final moments of 61-year-old Excenia Mette — known in her community as “Mama Zee” — were caught on camera, showing her trying to confront the shooters. Her family is now speaking out.
“It was a sacrificial lamb that was sacrificed by someone she fed, would have run out that door for, took up arms for, someone who cared more than your own parents,” Mette's sister, Pastor Diane London, said.
A hail of bullets ripped through the Harlem street, killing Mette, a pillar of her community. On Tuesday night, fearing her grandson was in danger, she ran toward the gunfire at 113th Street and Lenox Avenue.
“She loved this community with her everything, with her everything,” said her grandson, Jarian Jordan.
Jordan, 24, survived the shooting, but is now mourning his grandmother’s loss.
“She put smiles on faces. She helped kids. She helped adults,” he said.
The family says they tried to stop Mette from intervening when it meant putting herself in harm’s way.
“Every time they got into something, she would try and de-escalate them. She was not afraid,” said London.
Around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, at least two gunmen opened fire at each other. One suspect was captured on exclusive video fleeing on a scooter.
Police later apprehended the 23-year-old wounded suspect and recovered a gun discarded nearby.
Officials say the area has been plagued by violence stemming from gang rivalries within city housing complexes. The suspect taken into custody has 18 prior arrests, according to sources.
“Last year he was arrested for robbery, stabbing two people, and now back on the street involved in a shooting,” said Mayor Eric Adams on PIX11 News, Wednesday evening.
Community activists and Mette’s sister, a Pennsylvania pastor, are vowing her death will not be in vain.
“Her life was taken because she wanted to see change,” said London.
Police say the 23-year-old suspect, identified as Darius Smith, was shot in the foot. He was charged with attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Authorities are still searching for at least one other gunman, believed to be the one who fired the fatal shots.
In a statement, the National Action Network said:
“Our hearts, prayers, and support go out to the family and friends who loved Excenia Mette. Excenia was a special woman. This senseless violence has claimed another innocent life in our community. This time, a mother, a grandmother, a servant leader, an entrepreneur, and a friend. Her life mattered, and we will not let her life be in vain.”
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