A 14-year-old girl shot and killed an 11-year-old boy at a Dallas apartment complex on Sunday during a fight with another girl, police say.
Relatives and friends of the victim returned to the apartment complex Monday to talk about D'Evan McFall.
"He was naturally athletic, very talented. He loved to make people smile. He was a good child," his mother Vashunte Settles said.
Get top local stories in Connecticut delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC Connecticut's News Headlines newsletter.
Police said a fight between the two girls happened in the parking lot and that the victim was just a bystander.
Police said the 14-year-old shooter retrieved a handgun and fired in the direction of the other girl, but the bullet struck McFall, who was nearby.
McFall was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.
U.S. & World
The girl ran from the location but was later found at a nearby apartment complex, according to police.
The relatives said they had been told not to discuss the girls or their relationship to the victim because they are all minors and the criminal case will be handled in juvenile court where names are confidential.
But they said all three were close and what happened is just terrible.
"We need the world to know that there is a better way," said Bishop Reshunn Chambers, a family spokesman.
Neighbor Aiesha Oliver said the shooting should never have happened and the teen should not have had access to a gun.
"For the gun to be so visible and open to where she grabbed it and it even came into play, I mean it’s horrible you know? If you did have it in your car why not have it locked away'" she said.
Neighbor Freda Williams said there has been trouble at the complex before, including gunfire. But she said the victim, in this case, was just an 11-year-old boy with his whole life ahead of him.
"He didn't even live it. He died innocent behind something. It don't even make sense," she said.
The victim's mother said relatives were speaking Monday to share the message of grief.
"It's not worth it. We need to talk to our kids. Violence is not the answer," Settles said.
Bishop Chambers said the family would share more information when possible and that they are praying for the shooter who is in custody, too.
