An 11-year-old boy has died after being hit by bullets allegedly shot by a 14-year-old girl.
The suspect was fighting with another teenage girl in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Sunday in Dallas, US, an investigation showed.
During the altercation, the girl "retrieved a handgun and shot in the direction of the female she was fighting", according to police.
But the stray bullets hit a young boy who was only standing nearby, authorities said.
A Dallas police spokesperson said: "It appears to be a beef between two juveniles that led to a deadly outcome."
The suspect allegedly fled the scene and ran to a neighbouring apartment where she was taken into custody once police arrived.
The boy was taken to the hospital where he sadly died.
Neighbours in the area told WFAA the boy was 11 years old, while police said the suspect was 14 years old. The gun has been recovered, police said.
A nearby resident, Cassie Sheffield, said: "I find it hard and disheartening. This senseless violence, especially with the young people."
Sheffield is with the organisation "No More Violence," which campaigns against violence among youth.
She added: "How are these young people getting a hold of so many weapons... I pray for more help in the community."
The victim's name was D'evan McFall, NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth reported.
His mother Vashunte Settles praised him as a "very talented" and kind boy.
She said: "He was naturally athletic, very talented. He loved to make people smile. He was a good child."
And she stressed how a message against violence has to be spread: "It's not worth it. We need to talk to our kids. Violence is not the answer."
Bishop Reshunn Chambers, a family spokesman said: "We need the world to know that there is a better way."
Another neighbour, Aiesha Oliver said the teen should not have had access to a gun.
She noted: "For the gun to be so visible and open to where she grabbed it and it even came into play, I mean it’s horrible you know? If you did have it in your car why not have it locked away."
While another nearby resident, Freda Williams, revealed that there has been trouble at the complex before, including gunfire.
She commented on the tragic death of the 11-year-old boy: "He didn't even live it. He died innocent behind something. It don't even make sense."
