FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A family is seeking justice after police said a 16-year-old girl died in the hospital after being shot in Fort Lauderdale on Monday night.
Tanasia Atterberry mother, Sharday Heller, recalled the heartbreaking moment she last heard her daughter’s voice.
“I see my baby laying there and she say, ‘Mom, I’m OK. Mom, I’m OK,’” Heller said.
Authorities said Tanasia was struck by gunfire during a chaotic scene on Northwest Eighth Avenue near 16th Street, where neighbors reported multiple fights among girls breaking out before shots rang out.
Heller is devastated and demanding justice.
“You all had no right to shoot my baby. She only 16 years old. My baby ain’t messing with nobody. You all had no right to shoot my baby,” she said in tears while speaking to Local 10′s Christian De La Rosa.
Loved ones say Tanasia, a ninth grader, was shot in the upper body. She was rushed to Broward Health Medical, where she later died, according to investigators.
Witnesses say Tanasia was not involved in the fight that led to the shooting.
“It was girls fighting -- a fight that had nothing to do with her,” a witness said. “She was just standing out there.”
Tanasia’s family says she loved dancing and making videos with her siblings.
“I just pray to God you all get the killer that killed my baby,” Heller said.
Fort Lauderdale police have not made any arrests or released a description of the shooter.
But Atterberry’s aunt, Shantell Heller, says she believes justice will be served.
“Yeah, yeah, and he’s going to get it,” she said. “He know what time it is.”
Anyone with information on the case is urged to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477. Tipsters may remain anonymous.