A 14-year-old girl has been charged with murder after she fatally shot an 11-year-old boy in Dallas on Sunday while aiming at another child she had been fighting with, authorities said.
The teen, whose name has not been released, was fighting with another girl at the Signature at Southern Oaks Apartments when she grabbed a gun and shot in the opposing teen’s direction, but hit an 11-year-old bystander instead, the Dallas Police said.
The teenage suspect fled after the Sunday afternoon shooting, but was soon after taken into custody.
The 11-year-old, who was identified by family as De’Evan McFall, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
De’Evan’s mother, Vashunte Settles, as well as other members of his family, gathered on Monday outside the apartment complex where he was fatally shot to make an emotional plea for the community to stop the violence, KENS5 reported.
“I don’t want nobody else to have to feel like this. I don’t. Protect your babies at all cost. You can’t get them back. I will never see my son again,” Settles said through tears during Monday’s news conference.
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The boy’s grandmother, Lois Williams, also called on those listening to do their part to prevent gun violence.
“Please, people! Stop killing each other! I never thought I would be standing here doing this for one of my babies,” Williams said.
The young boy’s family said they knew the girl who has been accused of killing him, and that their families are close because they grew up together. Other neighbors told the outlet that fights among young people often take place on the property.
Police have not said whether the juveniles involved lived in the apartment complex.
Police have not shared where the weapon came from. The teenage girl is being held at the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center.
The investigation is ongoing, Dallas police said.
