It happened around 8:30 p.m. on the 1600 block of West 5th Street in Wilmington, Delaware.
Neighbors said they heard multiple gunshots, followed by a heavy police response.
"Maybe five or six," said Hayes Johnson, who lives nearby.
"I was in my kitchen in the back of the house when I heard gunshots. By the time I came out to look all I saw was the police cars," said Meredith Vigille of Wilmington.
Another neighbor, Madelyn Colon, said, "My granddaughter was the one who said 'Hey mom, something's happening outside' and that's when I heard all the commotion with the cops and whatnot."
Detectives say a 16-year-old boy was found shot.
The victim was taken to a hospital in a private vehicle, where he later died. Investigators have not released information about what led to the shooting, and no arrests have been made.
Residents said they were heartbroken to learn the victim was so young.
"Oh god. 16 years? I'm sorry," said Vigille.
"Oh it's very sad. Very sad. My oldest granddaughter is 16 so that has just put a knot in my stomach," said Colon.
The victim's identity has not been released.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Justin Wilkers at (302) 576-3634.
Tips may also be submitted to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or online at DelawareCrimeStoppers.com.