Community rallies to support 13-year-old accidental shooting victim
Hundreds of students across Jefferson County wore pink this week in support of a 13-year-old girl who was shot accidentally in the neck Thursday, Jan. 12, at her grandparent’s home in Louisville.
The child’s mother has posted on social media that her daughter, A'Rhianna Moye, is in critical condition and asking the community for prayers for her recovery.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported that emergency personnel responded to a 911 call for assistance around 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12 to a home on the 700 block of Academy Drive.
First responders provided initial treatment to the unresponsive child who was transported first to Jefferson Hospital where she was stabilized before moving her to Augusta University Medical Center.
The next day, Friday, Jan. 13, the girl’s 17-year-old brother was officially charged in the shooting and now faces charges of tampering with evidence, possession of a firearm by someone under 18 years of age, reckless conduct and cruelty to a child in the second degree.
A’Rhianna’s school principal, Moya Pope, said that the idea for students to wear pink in her support came from one of the girl’s friends, a fellow seventh grader. Word spread that students and staff at the middle school would be wearing pink and by Tuesday, Jan. 17, students and staff at all of the county’s elementary and high school also participated.
“A’Rhianna is a great student and cheerleader,” Pope said. “She has great grades. She is friendly. Everyone was really drawn to her. We are working on some fundraisers for her and will be folding 1,000 paper cranes and give those to her family.”
The Jefferson County Middle School cheer coach and school counselor, Jeanettea Mayle, said that A’Rhianna is very spiritual, and calls for prayers before cheerleading events.
“She’s a leader on the team,” Mayle said. “She lights up every room. She’s very popular. She won second place in Miss Seventh Grade.”
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Community rallies to support 13-year-old accidental shooting victim
