An 11-year-old boy has been detained after he allegedly shot and killed an 8-year-old girl whom his mother was babysitting, WRAL-TV reports.
On Friday, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office announced that the boy, whose identity has not been released, was placed in the custody of the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.
Authorities believe they have evidence sufficient to charge the boy with manslaughter, in addition to two counts of larceny of a firearm.
The girl, Jenesis Dockery, was staying at the babysitter’s home on July 25 when the boy allegedly found a gun and shot Dockery in the head. She died July 27, just days before her 9th birthday, according to the News & Observer.
Dockery family attorney Harry Daniels said social media posts demonstrate the boy had access to guns before the fatal shooting.
At least two guns found in the home were reportedly stolen from a relative’s safe. The investigation is ongoing and adults in the home could also face charges.
Family members of Dockery are remembering her as a happy and energetic child and say she brought light to everyone she met.
‘She just loved everybody,” her dad, Fon Dockery, told WRAL-TV. “She wanted to dance and just live life, man. She loved making TikTok videos.”
The grieving father added that he is grateful for the support of the community amid the tragedy.
“This has been a horrible nightmare; still doesn’t feel real. It’s hard to put into words how we’re trying to navigate, three weeks later, for something to be done. We wore orange pins on the day we buried our daughter — for gun violence awareness. Because as much as we want justice for out daughter, this is something no parent should ever have to do. We thank the community, and we ask that you continue to support and continue to reach out until the full hand of the law is exacted with justice for our Jenesis,” Fon Dockery said, according to ABC 11.
A GoFundMe page is raising money to help the Dockery family.
To report information about the case, call the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at 910-677-5477.
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Featured Image: Jenesis Dockery/GoFundMe
