Fanta Bility/Photo courtesy of 6ABC
An investigation has revealed that eight-year-old Fanta Bility was likely killed by Sharon Hill police gunfire after a suspected drive-by.
On Aug. 27, Bility died when she was shot after a hail of bullets began flying at a high school football game in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, NBC Philadelphia reported.
At around 9 p.m., police reported what they believed to be a drive-by near the stadium’s main gate located in Sharon Hill. Bility and her family were standing outside of the gates at the time.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said that the individuals who were shooting also shot in the direction of the Sharon Hill police prompting the officers to return gunfire.
“Tragically, our investigation has now determined that there is a high probability that the responsive gunfire of the Sharon Hill Police Officers struck four victims, including the shots that killed 8-year-old Fanta Bility and wounded her sister,” he said in a press conference on Thursday.
Stollsteimer also said that three individuals who were detained the night of the shootout have since been released.
Sharon Hill Police has recovered the car that the shooters were driving but has not found any suspects. Authorities are seeking the community’s help to find the culprits. However, no charges have been filed at this time.
In the meantime, Bility’s family is seeking answers for what exactly happened to their loved one. They have retained attorney Bruce Castor who is speaking to the media on their behalf.
“There were upwards of 25 shots fired,” said Castor. “We don’t know if they were all fired by police, but it certainly appears to be the vast majority.”
The family was notified of the District Attorney’s findings before being announced in the press conference on Thursday.
However, they are still “very distraught” about the events of Aug. 27 that killed Bility, injured her 13-year-old sister and another boy.
Delaware County is still awaiting ballistics to confirm that the bullet that hit Bility was from an officer’s gun. But, even if it is, the shooters could still face murder charges in her death for initiating the chain of events that led to such a tragic ending.
The District Attorney’s office will also decide if the officers will face any charges.