Community Holds Vigil, Balloon Release For 9-Year-Old Nyssa Davis Who Was Shot In Head, Killed By 5-Year-Old In North Philly
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The images of police investigating the unintentional deadly shooting of a 9-year-old girl in North Philadelphia remain fresh in the minds of those who live on the 2300 block of Bouvier Street. The community on Friday remembered 9-year-old Nyssa Davis' life through a vigil.
The vigil and balloon release took place at Peirce Elementary School.
Remembering 9-year-old Nyssa Davis who was shot and killed yesterday by a 5-year-old boy inside a Philadelphia home. Today her school is holding a balloon release in her honor. pic.twitter.com/dg4B0Z8LEi
— Alicia Roberts (@ARobertsCBS) January 22, 2021
"I'm overwhelmed, I'm overwhelmed," said Shakeda Gaines, president of the Philadelphia Home and School Council.
The shooting happened just before 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Investigators say the 9-year-old girl was at home with her young brother and cousin, without adult supervision.
Police say a 5-year-old accidentally shot Davis in the head. A 12-year-old then called 911.
The girl's father, 39-year-old Blake Davis, is now charged with involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child, and illegal firearms violations.
It's a string of events that has shattered a family and community.
"They not only lost a child, they lost a father," Gaines said. "And then they have a 5-year-old who is devastated of everything that is happening."
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