Police: Gunman Shot Teen When She Answered Front Door
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NORTH MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) -- An arrest has been in a North Miami Beach shooting earlier this month in which a 15-year-old was critically injured.
Genesis Anderson, 24, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Anderson's mother and sister tell CBS4's Peter D'Oench that this is a case of mistaken identity and he is innocent. The victim's sister says she is grateful that an arrest has been made and North Miami Beach Police are appealing for the public's help in finding a second suspect.
The shooting happened just before midnight on May 11th.
Milinda Michelle Pierre, who is a 9th grader at North Miami Beach High, was in the bedroom of her home at NE 155th Street and NE 14th Avenue when she heard a knock on her front door.
When she opened it, she found Anderson and another man on the front porch, according to his arrest report. Pierre would later tell investigators that she's known Anderson for about five months, but a month ago, they had a falling out and she had not seen or spoken to him since.
Pierre reportedly told police that Anderson pulled a gun and pointed it at her while the other man acted as a lookout. He then shot her once in the chest, according to the police report.
The teen said she tried to crawl to her brother's room for help. She was rushed to Aventura Hospital and from there was airlifted to Joe Dimaggio Children's Hospital in extremely critical condition. About a week after the shooting, she spoke with the police and that's when she identified Anderson as the man who had shot her, according to the police report.
During questioning, Anderson denied that he shot her but did say he was in the area when it happened.
Pierre's sister said when she heard about what happened it sent her head spinning.
"There was a lot going on in my head. There was nothing I could really do but I guess this is what we have police for," said Pierre's sister.
Now that there's been an arrest.
I feel good," she said. "It's good they got him."
Anderson's sister, who identified herself as "Mrs. Breedlove," said, "My brother does have a conscience. He has a good heart. I don't believe he would do this to a young girl. He was dating the victim's sister. I would like for her older sister, who was dating him, to say what she really knows."
Nita Anderson, who is Anderson's mother and who did not want to show all of her face, said, "As a parent I am upset. I spoke to my son. I know he did not shoot that girl. He would never shoot a girl. What happened to my son is that someone in the house did. It was one of the siblings and I heard it was one of two brothers who shot her by accident."
North Miami Beach Police are appealing for help in finding a 2nd suspect.
"One down, one to go," said Police Major Rich Rand. "We still have another person we are looking for. The description of him is limited. Right now the motive for the shooting is unclear."
Detective Joseph Romero said, "We still need the public's assistance t help solve this case and make an arrest. This victim is a very strong lady and she is lucky to be alive."
Anderson is being held without bond. A check of records shows he has an extensive criminal record. He's been arrested before for battery as well as marijuana and cocaine-related offenses.
He is also charged with conspiracy to commit attempted 1st degree murder. Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer appointed an Assistant Public Defender for him and ordered him to stay away from the victim and have no contact with her. She found probable cause for the charges.
A police report said Anderson was unemployed and homeless. But his sister said, "He is not homeless. He has a place to stay."
Milinda Pierre's sister said she was not sure when Milinda would be coming home from the hospital.
