BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Neighbors living at the Forge Broadway Apartments are devastated to hear a 13-year-old girl was shot and killed in front of the apartments, and they’re calling for security to be in place.
Residents say they heard she was running for safety and that if they had a security guard like they did before she might have been saved.
“A little girl lost her life. Killed at 13 years old. That’s just heartbreaking,” says Lola Smith, a resident. “They need security up here in the Forge, if they had security here I believe that little girl’s life would’ve been saved.”
A GoFundMe that has raised more than $4,000 identifies the victim as Miracle Hunt.
"Miracle was an extraordinary young girl, full of life and dreams. She was a seventh-grade student, eagerly looking forward to her eighth-grade year. Today, I humbly come to you, our community, to request your support during this incredibly challenging time. Due to the untimely nature of Miracle's passing, we are in need of assistance to provide her family with support," the GoFundMe says.
Caution tape still lingered around the tragic scene and 7 News reporter Yoselin Person even saw rose petals placed on the spot where she was told by neighbors her body was found.
“A lot of people coming out of that side door would’ve gotten caught,” says Nicolee Johnson, a resident. “There are too many kids in this building, too many elderly people in this building, and they’re not stepping up trying to give us security in here.”
A neighbor says he knows she ran track with his son for School 59.
Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tonja M. Williams released the following statement:
“The sorrow and hurt brought on by the senseless loss of a child should never have to be experienced by anyone. With the heaviest of hearts, I have learned that a Dr. Charles R. Drew Science School student was killed. On behalf of our entire Buffalo Public Schools community, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, classmates, and teachers of this young girl. I have directed our Crisis Prevention and Response staff to be available to provide counseling and emotional support to any students or staff who are grieving or experiencing trauma because of this tragedy.”
17-year-old Kaheym Scaf who lives nearby tells 7 News he typically likes to stay indoors.
“You used to be able to just come outside and play, but now? I don’t know everybody wants to kill each other,” he says.
The Stop the Violation Coalition group plans to do some community outreach.
“We’re going to go in the neighborhood to see what’s going on,” says Murray Holman, an executive director of Stop the Violation Coalition. “And to be out late there’s got to be accountability on parents as well to know where their children are at.”
Buffalo Police are still investigating this shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to call or text the Confidential TIPCALL Line at (716) 847-2255.
