Police Have Leads in Murder of Girl, 5, On Grandpa’s Lap
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iStock/Thinkstock(MILWAUKEE) — Milwaukee police investigating the murder of a 5-year-old while she was sitting on her grandfather’s lap are chasing a few leads, the girl’s family said on Monday.
Young Laylah Peterson was killed Thursday when a shooter opened fire from outside the family’s home. A dozen bullets went through the wall and one struck the girl in the head, police said.
“They have some leads, but that’s about all we know,” Laylah’s aunt Tracy Martinez told ABC News.
She said the family is struggling to cope with the girl’s murder.
“It’s been really, really hard. We’re trying,” Martinez said. “It’s a lot to process. Wednesday is the funeral. No one should have to bury a granddaughter or daughter at 5 years old.”
Laylah was sitting on her grandpa’s lap on the couch when she was struck by the bullet.
Police have said they don’t think anyone in the home was being targeted, and the house may have been mistakenly attacked.
Martinez described Smith as a “quirky, loving” little girl who loved dressing up like a princess and singing her favorite songs, “Let It Go” and “Jesus Loves the Little Children.”
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