Nationwide — The parents of Tyhari Knox, a 9-year-old African American girl from Flint, Michigan, are demanding justice after a drive-by shooting killed her while she slept inside their home. The case has shaken the Flint community and renewed calls for accountability.
Tyhari was inside the family’s Altoona Street home on May 8 when gunfire erupted around 2 a.m. Her father, TyRaye Knox, said he was in the living room when the shooting started and thought it sounded like a firecracker before the windows shattered and a bullet passed close to him, according to MLive.com.
Investigators later confirmed the home was struck by more than 200 rounds during the attack. More than 50 bullet holes were visible from the street, marking windows, doors, siding, and even the basement area. The house remains damaged, with broken glass and visible evidence of the shooting still present.
In the days after the shooting, family members placed stuffed animals and candles on the porch to honor Tyhari. The memorial sits in front of the heavily damaged home, where she was killed, and her sister was injured.
Tyhari had celebrated a bright moment just one day earlier. She placed first in two track and field events and was described by her family as a proud Girl Scout with a cheerful personality and a dream of becoming a beauty consultant.
At a news conference, her mother Alexis Smith struggled to describe the loss, saying, “It would mean everything (to get justice), but nothing is going to bring my baby back. “She remembered Tyhari as kind, loving, and full of joy.
Tyhari’s 12-year-old sister, Allison Galloway, was also hit during the shooting and suffered three gunshot wounds to the leg. She is now recovering as the family continues to cope with the aftermath.
Family members, joined by Councilwoman Tonya Burns, are urging anyone with information to come forward. Flint Police Chief Terence Green has said authorities expect arrests as the investigation moves forward.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family with funeral costs and other expenses. It has so far raised over $8,000.
Source: BlackNews.com
