A 4-year-old girl was critically injured in a shooting at her apartment on Sunday while she was asleep, leaving the local community shocked and concerned for her safety. The incident occurred at the Whispering Pines Apartments on the 1200 block of 12th Street.
Law enforcement responded quickly to the scene, where they found the young child wounded. Her current medical condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Police have identified the suspect as 25-year-old Youhan Jones Jr., who is reportedly dating the child’s mother. Jones was taken into custody on Monday and faces multiple charges, including five counts of attempted murder and one count of shooting into an occupied dwelling. Court records indicate he was already awaiting trial on a previous similar charge from 2022.
Four other people were present in the apartment during the shooting, including two other children, none of whom were injured. Additionally, Stephanie Ward, the child’s mother, and her friend Vantasia Mayes have been charged with first-degree hindering prosecution for allegedly assisting Jones in evading arrest.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The event has sparked concern over domestic violence and the dangers of firearms in homes with children. Local officials are emphasizing vigilance and the importance of community support for affected families.
This tragic case underscores the vulnerability of children in domestic violence situations and highlights the urgent need for protective measures and intervention to prevent similar tragedies.
