Shooting that killed 8-year-old girl in Southfield was 'not accidental,' police chief says

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (FOX 2) - An 8-year-old girl that was shot in the head late last weekend at an apartment complex in Southfield has died, police said.

She had been hospitalized after police say her 20-year-old sibling discharged a firearm, striking her in the head. The brother is now in custody and is facing charges - and Southfield police chief Elvin Barren said Thursday in a news conference that the shooting does not appear to have been accidental.

Southfield police chief expects open murder charges for shooting suspect

The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office is expected to amend its original charges for the suspect who allegedly shot his 8-year-old sibling who died of her injuries.

Gyasi Stribling is currently facing charges of assault with intent to murder and felony firearm, but Barren said he expects the assault charge to be amended to open murder.

The shooting happened Sunday, Jan. 3 around 7 p.m. Police were called to the 12 North Apartment on 12 Mile near the Northwestern Highway on the report of a child shot.

Barren held a news conference Thursday morning to give more details about the shooting.

Barren said, when police arrived after the shooting, the suspected tried to deceive officers by making up a story that an attempted robbery had happened and that the girl was shot during the ordeal. Barren said the suspect also tried to hide the gun, which detectives eventually found.

Barren said evidence suggests the shooting was not accidental but would not elaborate, calling the details "disturbing."

He also would not comment on a possible motive.

8-year-old girl dies after being shot, allegedly by brother, at Southfield apartment

An 8-year-old girl who was shot in Southfield over the weekend has died. Her 20-year-old brother has been arrested and is facing charges.

"I do not want this individual released. This was a heinous crime. We're confident in this case that this person will serve time in prison," Barren said.

The victim has been identified as Bailei Singleton.