MONROE, N.C. — Four men are behind bars, accused of a drive-by shooting that left a 13-year-old girl dead in Monroe, authorities said.
Officers responded to the shooting scene along Icemorlee Street around 8 p.m. on Saturday. The teen victim, Loyalti Allah, was hit when someone in an SUV opened fire, according to police.
She was taken to the hospital, where she died.
“My baby was at the wrong place at the wrong time, but she was having fun, and she’s gone,” Loyalti’s mother, Yvette Allen, said. “Can’t never get that back.”
Authorities believe the girl was sitting with friends on a picnic table when a black Ford SUV drove by, and someone inside started shooting. The SUV sped away after the shooting, police said.
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“I been in the hospital for three days this week, and I came home Saturday morning. Saturday evening -- my baby was gone. Nobody don’t know how I feel to see my baby laying there taking her last breath,” Allen said.
(WATCH: Community comes together to support family of Loyalti Allah)
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On Sunday, police arrested Javon Robinson, 20, Darius Roland, 19, Jamarius Crowder, 22, and Jamarius McLain and charged them with first-degree murder. They are all being held at the Union County Jail without bond.
Police Chief Brian Gilliard said the four suspects didn’t have criminal records.
“The only motive we’ve been able to determine, in all of this, is a disagreement with somebody else who is living in the apartment complex,” Gilliard said.
“I can’t have hate towards them. They babies as well. I’m not saying they don’t know right from wrong,” Allen said.
Allen told Channel 9 she has one regret. She wanted to move Loyalti from the area and wasn’t able to do it. She said she will get her other children out.
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“I always promised her I was gonna get her out from over here, and we was trying our best to go, but I guess the Lord had other plans,” Allen said.
“Our officers have done an amazing job in leaving no stone unturned to ensure the individuals who committed this crime are not only identified but also apprehended and brought to justice,” said Monroe Police Chief Bryan Gilliard. “This is such a devastating act that has far-reaching implications that was entirely uncalled for. These individuals took an innocent life for absolutely no reason, and now a family and community has to live with this forever.”
Multiple shell casings were found at the scene and police said they also recovered the 2004 Ford SUV that was involved.
No other people were hurt during the shooting.
“Beautiful young lady,” said Monroe Police Lt. Monique Holt, with the department’s community services division. “There’s no words. There are just no words. She will be truly missed.”
Community members are making an effort to support the girl’s family and her eight siblings.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the funeral expenses for Loyalti, and a Meal Train has been started for her family.
“On Sunday, it was such a massive outpouring of love and compassion from all ages, all walks of life,” Councilwoman Surluta Anthony said. “I think the message is starting to hit home.”
The chief said his department has had dedicated officers in the neighborhood for the past year to have a constant presence.
This is an ongoing investigation. Officers have been talking with nearby residents and collecting any video evidence available.
Anyone with any information on the shooting is asked to contact the Monroe Police Department at 704-282-4700.
Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
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