Vigil held for murdered 7-year-old Chanell Berry

DETROIT - Dozens of family and friends gathered to remember a 7-year-old girl in a New Year's Day vigil.

Chanell Berry would have turned 8 years old Monday but instead, her family is planning her funeral.

They gathered on Steel Street wearing shirts saying "No Guns" hoping to send a message and hoping that no other families have to mourn lives lost to gun violence.

"It's never going to be the same," said Berry's uncle Dominique Johnson. "That was our baby, an all-A, honor roll student."

Berry was shot and killed in her Steel Street home Sunday on Detroit's west side.

Chanell and her friend Ellen, 8, were inside the living room playing with their toys when the shooting happened. The house windows still have the bullet holes in them a week later.

The family said the shooting stemmed from an argument with the ex-girlfriend of Chanell's father.

"She was threatening us that she was going to come back with a gun," Johnson said.

"They got out of the car and came to the window - it's not like they did a drive-by," said Gwen Sparks, Chanel's aunt. "They got out of the car and came to the window and did it."

The ex-girlfriend and another man turned themselves into police but have been released.

A police spokesperson said that the Wayne County Prosecutor's office advised police to further investigate certain parts of the case before charges can be filed.

Police will not comment if they remain persons of interest.

Chanell was a member of the West Side Cubs and many of the members took part in the New Year's Day vigil.

The mother of Chanell spoke at the vigil and thanked everyone for their support.

"I also want to let you all know that Ellen is still in the hospital and we want prayers for her," she said.

Chanell Berry will be laid to rest at Fellowship Chapel, 7707 W. Outer Drive on Monday, Jan. 4  - which would have been her 8th birthday.