A South Florida man has been charged with fatally shooting his 4-year-old niece in Miami's Liberty City neighborhood.
Ronald Jones, 24, faced a judge on Sunday. Jones allegedly shot Nyla Jones after having an argument with his sister escalated.
The 24-year-old is facing several charges, including second-degree murder with a weapon. He was denied bond.
According to City of Miami Police, the altercation with his sister, who is also Nyla’s mother, took place near Northwest 65th Street and 13th Place, just after 10 a.m. on Saturday.
The sister’s cousin, Kamary Bell, told local news outlets that Jones shot at his sister’s parked SUV, and as he fired off rounds, a stray bullet hit the 4-year-old ,who was sitting inside the vehicle.
“We don’t hate him for that, you know what I’m saying? It was just — it was an accident,” said Bell.
Jones’ sister, Sharonda Mitchell, said he did not mean to harm the girl. “I know my brother, and I know he would never, ever harm his niece or his nephew,” she said.
Nyla’s mother rushed the child to North Shore Hospital, where she later died.
As her family continues the grieving process, Nyla’s uncle remains behind bars.
“My niece lost her life, but my brother lost his life; he’s in jail,” said Mitchell as she held back tears, “but I’m praying for a better outcome.”