NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Residents in one South Florida community is demanding justice for a little girl gunned down weeks before her 9th birthday.
Eight-year-old Jada was killed by a stray bullet outside her grandmother’s house on Aug. 28. Family and friends gathered on the corner of Northwest 95th Street and 17th Avenue on Monday to mourn the loss of Jada, one day before her 9th birthday, in Northwest Miami-Dade.
Emotional songs were sung and tears streamed down several faces as the crowd thought about happier times when Jada was around. “My baby turn 9 tomorrow,” said Rosalind Brown, Jada’s mother choking up. “We were planning to go to Water Rapids next weekend.”
“We’re coming out here today in the rain for Jada,” said one speaker.
Brown pleaded for someone to come forward with information on the shooter. “I can’t sleep at night, and it probably won’t heal all my pain, but it helps. Oh, my God, if you know something, please say something,” she said.
On the day before Jada’s birthday, Brown was surrounded by crying family members and friends. “My niece Jada, justice always demands action,” said a family member.
Organized groups attended the meet and chanted for change. Father Santonio Carter, whose young son, King Carter, was killed by a stray bullet also spoke to the crowd. “I found my son before the police, before the ambulance, dead,” he said.
Several people held up signs that read “Justice for Jada” and “Kids Lives Matter.” “Our children can’t play in our community safely,” said one woman. “They can’t walk down the street safely. They can’t attend wakes safely.”
The rally was also for other children who were victims of shootings, like 15-year-old Isaiah Solomon. He was killed at his cousin’s Northwest Miami-Dade wake, Aug. 27.
Jada and her father were both shot along Northwest 25th Avenue and and 101st Street. Her father survived, but the 8-year-old died in the hospital, on Aug. 30.
“I heard somebody say today that it’s Jada’s Day,” Brown said, “and that’s right. It’s Jada’s Day, and I just need some answers. She needs some answers. We all just need some answers.”
Miami-Dade Police and investigators from the State Attorney’s Office handed out fliers and questioned people as they continue their search for those responsible for Jada’s death.
If you have any information on any of these shootings, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a cash reward.
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