BALTIMORE — A 15-year-old girl was killed in Southwest Baltimore, after being accidentally shot in the head by a 9-year-old boy, said police.
Nykayla Strawder was shot at about 8:01 p.m. Saturday, on Linnard Street, just north of Edmondson Avenue.
The girl was found unresponsive, and died after being taken to a hospital.
Witnesses told police that the 9-year-old boy was playing with a loaded handgun when it accidentally went off, striking the girl in the head.
"If that gun had been in the gun case like it was supposed to be, both of those children will still have futures to look forward to," said Theresa Hargrave, community member.
The 9-year-old then dropped the gun and ran away.
Police found the gun, which is registered to a female relative of the boy who is an armed security guard. Strawder's family says they knew the boy well and they're heartbroken by this situation.
Strawder's father says this is a nightmare he will never wake up from.
"My daughter was laying right there in front of my mailbox, bleeding from her head. When my wife picked her up, all her brain fell out into my wife hands. It doesn't make sense for a child to have access to a firearm under any circumstances, there is no excuse for that, because now my daughter will no longer be able to smile, she would never have another birthday, we were never able to gain what you wake up with," said Dontay Jones, father of Nykayla Strawder.
Strawder's family said Nykayla had big dreams and wanted to use whatever career she pursed to pave the way for the next generation.
"She makes everybody happy. She kept a smile on your face and mine," said Jones.
People say although the city may have programs to occupy the youth, they don't do a good job of promoting it. Neighbors say most of the time kids are just sitting because their parents don't know of any programs.
"I'm reaching out to the city of Baltimore please do something to help these children. So, no more children like my daughter have to suffer like this," said Jones.
Police Commissioner Michael Harrison released a statement saying that "we must change the culture."
“Unfortunately, this weekend we had two incidents in which juveniles accidentally fired weapons. One incident resulted in the avoidable and tragic death of a young lady,” said Commissioner Harrison. “This is another reminder that we must change the culture that makes it all too easy for our children to have access to deadly weapons. The Department continues to work to remove illegal guns from our streets and have seized more than 1,560 guns so far this year (a 13% increase).”
In accordance with State Law and due to his age, police said the 9-year-old can not be charged with a crime. Investigators are working with the State’s Attorney’s Office on other potential charges related to this incident.
Just a few days ago, an 8-year-old girl was killed in Towson after being shot accidentally by another juvenile.
