Man charged with murder in death of girl, 8, by stray bullet

CAMDEN, N.J. – A New Jersey man was charged Friday with murder in the shooting of an 8-year-old girl who was caught in the crossfire.

Camden resident Tyhan Brown, 18, was arrested Friday at his uncle’s home in Clarksville, Tennessee, officials said.

Gabrielle “Gabby” Hill Carter was hit in the head by a stray bullet while across the street from her home in August in Camden.

Authorities say gunfire broke out when several men opened fire on an intended target.

It wasn’t immediately known if Brown had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. U.S. Deputy Marshal Danny Shelton said Brown was arrested without incident and is in jail while awaiting extradition proceedings.

Brown’s mother, Shakia Land, and his girlfriend have been charged with hindering the investigation after investigators say they gave false alibis for Brown.

Camden County police Chief Scott Thompson said that police are also looking for other suspects who they believe were involved in the shooting.

“We are going to relentlessly continue our investigation into bringing those folks to justice,” he said.

Carter’s mother, Meresa Carter-Phillips, told WPVI-TV that it was good that Brown was arrested “but nothing is going to change the fact that my daughter is gone and I have a loss.”

“It was like a little relief off my back, but I still feel the same way, my daughter is not here anymore,” she said.