A bullet shot through an apartment door by a would-be home invader fatally struck a 10-year-old Pennsylvania girl this week.
Police in Washington County reported on Monday that Taniyah Thomas died after she was hit by a shot fired through the front door. Detective Daniel Stanek said during a news conference this week that Taniyah was struck by one of several shots fired at the apartment, located in Pennsylvania's southwestern region.
According to Washington County Coroner Tim Warco who spoke with the Associated Press, Taniyah was shot in the head at around 3:50 in the morning on Monday. The shooter reportedly fled after firing shots, and never went inside the apartment.
Stanek believed the suspect, or suspects, intentionally targeted the family and residence for a potential home invasion.
"Everybody was asleep when this started," Stanek said during the press conference. "I believe they targeted this residence."
Taniyah's mother, her mother's boyfriend, and a baby were also inside the apartment. None of them were injured by fire.
Law enforcement officials tasked with the investigation of the event said Taniyah was immediately transferred to Washington Hospital from her home, located about 20 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.
Police haven't yet disclosed the person, or people, they believe might have been targeted in the attack.
Taniyah's grandmother told reporters that the young girl was scheduled to participate in a cheerleading competition next week.
