An 11-year-old North Carolina boy could face manslaughter charges after he allegedly shot and killed an 8-year-old girl.
According to reports, the boy’s mother was babysitting Jenesis Dockery, 8, when the young girl was shot by the 11-year-old at their family home in Fayetteville.
Two days later, Jeness died in hospital.
While the boy has not yet been charged, police believe there is enough evidence to charge him with larceny of a firearm and manslaughter.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office reportedly filed paperwork to the Department of Juvenile Justice recommending that the 11-year-old be charged.
The child is still in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Detention.
It is not clear if any of the adults involved will also face charges.
Jenesis’ grieving father, Fon Dockery, said that she and her sister were both inside the house when the shooting happened.
The family’s lawyer, Harry Daniels, said that the boy allegedly stole the weapon from a safe, which was unlocked.
Speaking to WNCN, Jenesis’ father said: “My daughter’s life was tragically taken. It hurt my heart to think that I would be in a situation where I would have to comfort my youngest daughter.
“This has been a horrible nightmare, still doesn’t feel real. She wanted to dance and just live life, man. She loved making TikTok videos.”
The victim’s heartbroken family remembered her as a ‘joyful, energetic child with Jesus in her heart and a perfect smile on her face.’
The GoFundMe page to help the family with her funeral expenses added: “The void that is left in her absence is immeasurable. The Dockery family has a long road of grief and healing ahead of them.”
As of this writing, more than $23,000 has been raised out of a target of $50,000.
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