MIAMI (WSVN) - Miami’s Liberty City community was gripped by shock and sadness after, police said, a domestic dispute spiraled into gun violence, killing a 4-year-old girl and injuring two other people, Saturday morning.
Hours after the shooting, candles on the sidewalk next to a growing makeshift memorial spelled out “Nyla” in remembrance of the child who, police said, was fatally shot in broad daylight.
According to City of Miami Police, the shooting took place in the Liberty Square neighborhood, near Northwest 65th Street and 13th Place, just after 10 a.m.
Witnesses said a fight between two siblings led to a brother shooting at his sister’s parked SUV.
Police said a stray bullet struck the woman’s daughter, and shattered glass injured another child and an adult.
The children’s mother drove her daughter to North Shore Hospital, where the child later died.
The other two victims were treated for minor injuries that are not life-threatening and are expected to be OK.
The tragedy left area residents in disbelief, as they grappled to come to terms with the violence.
“The baby didn’t have a chance, you feel me?” said Jermell Broughton.
“It doesn’t make any sense. These kids don’t have a chance to grow up in life,” echoed Demetria Bell.
“That’s a hard pill to swallow, man. You’re losing your child, man,” said Broughton.
“It’s terrible. That’s a baby,” said a woman.
Officials said the suspected gunman got away, but at around 2 p.m., he walked into a Miami Police station and turned himself in.
Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho took to Twitter to address the shooting. He tweeted, “Tragically unacceptable! What message does it send to children when as toddlers they become victims of gun violence?? A 3-year-old was murdered. Clearly, we as a community are not doing enough. My prayers for these children and families.”
City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez also spoke out about the shooting, tweeting, “It’s another unfortunate, senseless act of violence that needs to stop. People need to find other ways to resolve conflict aside from picking up a gun.”
As detectives continue their investigation, distraught neighbors pleaded for a stop to the violence.
“I had two kids shot in this community before, and I don’t like it, man,” said Broughton. “We need more help.”
Police have not confirmed whether Nyla is the girl’s name, and they haven’t released the suspect’s name.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.