A four-year-old toddler was shot dead while out shopping with her mum - with the gunman still on the run.
Kaari Thompson was with her mum, who has not been named, on December 1 at the Brooklyn Food Market in Pittsburgh, US, when she was shot and the pair were rushed to hospital.
Kaari tragically died following the shooting with her mum remaining in a critical condition in hospital.
Police were called to the incident on Thursday evening after reports of a shooting at the supermarket.
Assistant Chief Lavonnie Bickerstaff, from the Pittsburgh police Department, said: "I am very touched by this tragic situation that occurred yesterday and this 4-year-old baby won’t be able to enjoy the holiday season like any other girl would do."
Locals in the area have been left devastated as Derek Scott, who lives nearby, said more needs to be to stop the tragic shootings.
He said: "We need to talk to our children. We need to talk to the youth. We need to talk to them and tell them to put the drugs and guns down."
It is currently unclear if Kaari's mother was actively targeted, but police asked parents to be involved with their children and monitor their activities on social media to avoid them using guns.
Assistant Chief Bickerstaff said: "Be aware of what your children are doing because in doing so, you could save your child’s life and a child that is dear to you."
There had been no news of any arrests at the time of writing, with the police saying that the "shooters fled in unknown directions".
They have urged the public to help and to contact them with any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
Pittsburgh Police Zone 5 Commander Stephen Vinansky said: "Anybody that saw or heard anything, anybody that has information that they're hearing... we're asking and pleading with anybody to come forward and share that with us."
A fundraiser started on GoFundMe for Kaari by Heather Thompson, the young girl's aunt, has so far raised over $14,000 (£11,500) out of a $15,000 (£12,000) goal.
Heather wrote: "A Thursday evening no family wants to experience. On December 1, Kaari Thompson was tragically murdered at the tender age of 4.
"Her mother is in the hospital in critical condition fighting for her life.
"We started this go-fund-me to help ease the financial burden of funeral costs. If able, please help in this time of need as we greatly appreciate it."
Kaari's heartbroken grandfather Kirk Thompson told local media during a vigil on Sunday his granddaughter gave him so much joy.
He said: "In four years, she gave me more joy than most people can get in 40 years."
The Pittsburgh Public Schools also paid tribute to their former pupil: "With deep sadness, we report the tragic loss of Pittsburgh Lincoln Early Childhood student Kaari Thompson, who was killed yesterday in Lincoln-Lemington.
"Kaari will be remembered as a very loving child, always smiling and passing out hugs.
"She enjoyed playing in the classroom’s housekeeping section and making pretend food for everyone. She was very bright and an absolute joy to have in class.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time."