AKRON, Ohio — The family of the eight-year-old girl who was shot and killed in Akron Friday night held a candlelight vigil to honor her Sunday evening.
"She was only eight years old," Shoska Mika Risper said. "She wasn’t bothering nobody."
Officers were called to the 700 block of Roselle Avenue around 11:48 p.m. Friday after receiving several reports of shots fired.
"I don’t think it was purposely intended for my child," Edward Pickett said. "I think it was just these kids with these guns just running wild in the community with guns."
Once on scene, officers found eight-year-old Mikayla Pickett with an apparent gunshot wound, police said.
Mikayla was transported to Akron Children’s Hospital where she later died from her injuries, according to police.
"I just want to know who did this to my baby. If anyone has any tips, anything, just please let me know," Risper said. "I’m killed on the inside. My heart is totally crushed."
Officers learned there was a large gathering of teenagers at the home before shots were fired.
Akron police said the unknown suspect or suspects were outside the home and fired multiple shots.
"Just senseless is what it boils down to," Pickett said. "I think all the communities, not just this community, communities all over are tired of having these kinds of vigils for senseless shootings of children."
No arrests have been made at this time and the investigation is in the very early stages, police said.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.
"Families should be enjoying families," Pickett said. "Not mourning losses of eight-year-old children for senseless stuff."
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