A five-year-old girl has died after her mum’s car, containing four other children, was shot at by a man.
Zah’Layah Walton was killed after a bullet struck her while her mother, Monica Hicks, was driving on Saturday night in Houston, Texas.
Jeremy Porter, 47, has been arrested and charged with capital murder, meaning he is eligible for the death penalty.
The sheriff’s office has said motives are under investigation and has sent its condolences to the little girl’s family.
‘She was the light of my life,’ her mother told KHOU. ‘That was my baby.’
‘All of my children were there. They witnessed their sister lifeless on the floor, and they are traumatised,’ Hicks added.
‘Our hearts remain with Zah’Layah’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,’ Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
He shared that Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology ‘played an important role’ in helping ‘detectives quickly develop critical information’.
‘Technology cannot replace good police work, but tools like license plate readers can give investigators valuable information when every minute matters,’ the sheriff added.
Cops reportedly believe this to be a road rage incident, but Hicks has said she didn’t cut anyone off or exchange words with anyone, so doesn’t believe this is the case.
Hicks told ABC13 that she had stopped the car and attempted to get her children out, noticing Zah’Layah was slumped over.
She called emergency services and paramedics tried to save the five-year-old before she was taken to hospital by helicopter.
Zah’Layah, whose last name has also been reported as Walter, was pronounced dead shortly after.
A fundraiser has been started on GoFundMe to pay for funeral costs, with $11,000 (£8,200) donated so far.
The page reads: ‘Our hearts are shattered by the heartbreaking loss of 5-year-old Zah’Layah. No family is ever prepared to lose a child, and no parent should have to face the unimaginable pain of planning a funeral for their little girl.
‘Zah’Layah’s family is grieving an incredible loss while also facing the unexpected expenses that come with laying a child to rest. We are asking our community to come together and surround this family with love, prayer, and support during this devastating time.’
They confirmed that all donations will be used to pay for her funeral and burial expenses as well as ‘other immediate needs the family faces as they grieve’.
‘Please help us honour Zah’Layah’s precious life and give her family the support they need to lay their beautiful little girl to rest,’ the page concluded.
‘Rest peacefully, sweet Zah’Layah. You will never be forgotten.’
Porter is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
MORE: Lawyer whose gun failed as he tried to shoot ex-wife in busy restaurant is jailed
MORE: Strictly’s Joe Sugg left ‘distressed’ after being stalked by American man for 4 years
MORE: UK Space Command chief suspended over sexual offence and theft allegations