Search for gunman after girl, 9, killed in Ferguson - KMOV.com

FERGUSON, Mo. (KMOV.com) -- Officers with the Ferguson, Missouri Police Department are investigating the fatal shooting of a 9-year-old girl Tuesday night as she laid in bed.

The father of Jamyla Bolden said the girl was in bed doing homework inside a home in the 9200 block of Ellison when she was shot around 9:30 p.m. Her mother was also shot in the leg, she has since been released from the hospital. 

Police said the bullets came from outside of the home.

The St. Louis County coroner said the girl died of a gunshot wound. Officials with the girl's school also confirmed her death.

"I never in a million years thought that I'd be laying my daughter to rest," said James Bolden, the 9-year-old's father.

Pastor Willis Johnson has been part of an effort to bring peace to Ferguson over the past year. He said the violence must cease.

"There needs to be a reevaluation of human life: [whether] black, white, young, seasoned, whether in Ferguson, or areas considered affluent," said Johnson. "This has to stop. This epidemic of lost life under false pretense and of no real significant reason has to change."

No arrests have been made, but police said they have received several tips. Officials also said they do not believe there is a public safety risk.

Alderman Wesley Bell said he is confident the community will hear from law enforcement officials soon.

"I know that they're working on it," said Bell. "I know that the chief is very concerned, and so I think in due time they'll be ready to talk more publicly. But right now, rest assured they are doing their job."

The victim's family, along with police, urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact CrimeStoppers or the Ferguson Police Department. 

"Don't just do it for me. Do it for her. Do it for a 9-year-old child that didn't even get to see the rest of the world," said Bolden.

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