Bronx: Girl shot when rival groups of Dominicans and African-Americans started arguing at a party

Mike Jaccarino:

A radiant 12-year-old Bronx honor student was clinging to life yesterday after she was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight that erupted over a Sidekick cell phone, cops said.

Kirsys Rodriguez was shot in the back after being turned away from a courtyard where she could have found shelter from the bullets flying outside a notorious party spot on Marion Ave. in Fordham.

"People over here get mad about nothing," said Kirsys' cousin Julio Fernandez, 17. "Such stupidity over a phone."

Cops were hunting last night for the suspect who fired at least three times in the air before letting loose the shot that hit Kirsys just before 3 a.m.

"He's dead if I see him," said April Rodriguez, 17, her older sister. "It's so stupid. What can I say?"

"One shooting is too many, particularly when it affects a young person," Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said.

The battle erupted when rival groups of Dominicans and African-Americans started arguing at a party packed with teenagers in a basement apartment.

The fight spilled out into the street, where at least 20 young men faced off over accusations someone had stolen the $200 cell phone.

Consumed with rage, the gunman started shooting as Kirsys, who had fled the party, and dozens of other bystanders ran for cover.

"He was shooting crazy: 'Boom, boom, boom,'" said Paradise dela Cruz, 16.

Kirsys tried to get into a building courtyard, but a man refused to let her in. "But they're shooting," the terrified middle schooler pleaded, Paradise said.

Amid the chaos and gunfire, Kirsys ran to a neighboring building and was trying to buzz her way inside when she was hit by a stray bullet.

"She was just standing there," said Christina Rosario, 12. "She tried to open the door and she got shot."

Girl, 12, Injured by Gunfire Outside a Party in the Bronx