Girl fighting for her life after Sacramento shooting, police say: ‘The community should be hurt’

An 8-year-old girl is “fighting for her life” after a shooting early Tuesday outside her Upper Land Park home left the child wounded with critical injuries, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

Officers were called just after 4:40 a.m. to reports of a child shot at least once in the 2600 block of Kit Carson Street at the Alder Grove affordable housing complex. A father and his daughter had dropped off the victim’s mother at work and were returning home when multiple gunshots rang out on the street, said Officer Anthony Gamble, a spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department.

The girl was taken to the hospital. She was alert and talking at the scene, but her condition deteriorated and she is currently listed in critical condition, Gamble said.

“There is absolutely nothing that would justify this little 8-year-old girl in the hospital, fighting for her life right now,” Gamble said.

No suspects have been arrested, Gamble said, calling it a “very active” investigation.

Detectives are questioning witnesses and canvassing the scene for evidence. Anyone with information should call the Police Department — even a small detail could prove vital in their investigation, Gamble said.

The Sacramento Police Dispatch center can be reached at 916-808-5471 and the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers can be reached at 916-443-4357. Callers can remain anonymous.

“The community should be hurt,” Gamble said. The police department is hurting for the family of the 8-year-old who was shot, he said.

Although the father didn’t suffer any wounds, Gamble said, the father is still grappling with his daughter being shot in front of him.

“Physically, he’s not shot,” Gamble said. “But ... I cannot imagine what he’s going through right now.”