Atlanta dad shares warning after 7-year-old daughter killed in crossfire

ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) – An Atlanta father issued a plea for assist and warning to oldsters after a robust daddy-daughter bond was shattered by gunfire.

Seven-year-old Ava Phillips was caught within the crossfire and killed at Camden Vantage Residences in Atlanta’s Outdated Fourth Ward neighborhood.

Her father, Jonathan Phillips, mentioned Ava was well mannered, stunning, and “might do all of it.”

“Ava was all the things I ever wished in a bit of woman,” mentioned Phillips. “Seemed identical to me, energetic – she’s the youngest, however she referred to as all of the photographs.”

Phillips mentioned he dropped off Ava along with her mom for a fast weekend keep. Saturday round 10 p.m. he acquired a devastating telephone name that Ava had been shot within the head and killed.

Monday, police arrested Kemeka Springfield, who Phillips mentioned is Ava’s mom. Springfield faces prices of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm throughout the fee of a felony.

Springfield waived her first courtroom look hours after her arrest.

Monday afternoon, police continued to seek for 23-year-old Deshon Collins, believed to be the one who fired the shot that killed Ava. Authorities mentioned the gunshots stemmed from a home dispute.

Phillips mentioned he by no means met Collins personally, however believed he was in a relationship with one other member of the family on the gathering.

A candlelight vigil is deliberate for Ava on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on the Camden Vantage Residences. Phillips has arrange a GoFundMe to assist with funeral bills.

“Lots of people love her. Lots of people miss her already,” mentioned Phillips. “She’s my child – I simply need to let her exit with a bang, let her know we love her.”

Ava was a second-grade scholar at Bouie Elementary. She liked the window seat on airplanes and taking part in ball along with her brothers.

She leaves behind a big household – together with six siblings.

As Phillips and his household band collectively in grief, he issued a warning to different mother and father in Atlanta.

“Love your youngsters. Be secure, defend them,” he mentioned. “You by no means know the final time you’re going to see them. Mine was presupposed to be gone for the weekend, and right here we’re.”

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