Police in Texas have arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the death of a 9-year-old Alabama girl that occurred in 2023. Cailee Knight reportedly died from a gunshot wound while sleeping on a couch at her home on December 9.
Since her horrific death, police have arrested five people in connection with her killing. The latest suspect, who was not named because of being a minor, faces a capital murder charge. Now, Cailee’s family hopes their nightmare will end.
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The suspects shot multiple rounds into the home.
The shooting took place in the early morning hours, according to WKRG. At least two people drove by and fired multiple shots into the home in the 1100 block of Rhett Drive in Mobile. Cailee reportedly fell asleep on the couch, and gunfire struck her as she slept. Police responded to the home about 2 a.m. Cailee died at an area hospital.
The motive behind the shooting remains a mystery.
According to Mobile Chief of Staff James Barber, the shooter used an AR-15 rifle, and the intended target was a family member, WKRG reported in December 2023.
“It’s the fact that a 9-year-old girl was killed this morning sitting on her sofa,” Barber said. “By somebody with an AR-15 rifle. That shouldn’t happen in our community. Children should be safe in their homes.”
But not everyone is so sure of the motive. Tara Zieman of the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office told People the DA’s office had not “taken a position on who the target was because that’s evidence that needs to come out at trial.”
Police arrested several people in connection with the shooting.
Police arrested Ariel Curry and Tyrone Williams in the days following the fatal shooting, per People. In September, the district attorney’s office indicted the pair on two counts of capital murder and one count of attempted murder by shooting into an occupied dwelling. Police arrested Darius Lucky Jr. on December 9, and he was indicted on two counts of capital murder.
In January 2024, police arrested Ricki Thier and charged her with two counts of capital murder and one count of attempted murder by shooting into an unoccupied dwelling.
According to People, the 17-year-old suspect will face charges as an adult.
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Cailee's family wants justice.
Her mother, Andrea Bright, posted on Facebook her gratitude that police arrested the suspects.
“God, I see you working wonders! So grateful they made another arrest in Cailee’s case. Thankfully all 5 individuals are behind bars!!!!! May justice be swift and unobstructed. JUSTICE FOR CAILEE KNIGHT.”
According to Alabama law, if convicted of capital murder, the suspects could face the death penalty.
