2 girls shot at Akron birthday party, 8-year-old dies from her injuries

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - Police are still investigating the murder of an 8-year-old girl at a birthday party Friday evening and now police said a 14-year-old girl was also shot at that same party.

Mikayla Pickett died after being shot at a party in the 700 block of Roselle Avenue just before midnight on Aug. 14.

On Saturday, Aug. 15, the 14-year-old girl and her parents walked into Akron Children’s Hospital to get treatment for a gunshot wound to her leg, Akron police said.

Her injuries are considered minor, police said.

“That girl did not deserve to die,” said Willie Walker, who told 19 News he was hosting the birthday party in his backyard for his teenage grandson. “Whoever [did] it needs to pay.”

Walker said Pickett lives about a block away from his house.

He said a group of boys showed up and started shooting.

“Who would do something like that? Why would they even come around shooting like that?” he asked. “Whoever they were after, it wasn’t worth this. They didn’t get [anybody] but that little girl. That’s sad. Come on, shot that little girl for what? She didn’t do [anything],” he said.

It’s unclear who the intended target or targets were.

“They need to stop and think about what they doing. There are too many guns out on the street,” said Walker.

Anyone with information is asked to call Akron police detectives at 330-375-2490.

You can also call Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS.

Callers can remain anonymous.

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