'Our children must be protected': Outrage after 9-year-old Cailee Knight is accidentally shot dead on her couch in drive-by shooting

MOBILE, ALABAMA: In a horrifying incident that has left the city of Mobile in shock, 9-year-old Cailee Knight was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting while she was sleeping on her couch at home.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, December 5 around 2 am at her residence on the 1100 block of Rhett Drive, near Zeigler Boulevard.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson has opened up on the tragic event, expressing his deep condolences and assuring the community of swift action.

"Like so many others across our community and beyond, I have been praying for the family of Cailee Knight. Cailee's bright future was robbed from her as she slept innocently on her couch," Stimpson stated.

"No family should ever have to experience this in our city. Our children deserve to be safe in their own homes," he added, per WKRG.

"We must come together as a community to put an end to this kind of outrageous and lawless behavior. In the meantime, I ask that all Mobilians continue to wrap Cailee's family in love and prayer," Stimpson claimed.

Who was Cailee Knight?

The cherished 9-year-old girl, who was just in the fourth grade with her whole life ahead of her, leaves behind a grieving family.

Shelisa Alfred, Cailee's grandmother, mentioned she was a fourth-grader at Leinkauf Elementary anf was a joyful child who relished being the focus of everyone's attention.

"This is really a tragic time for our family right before Christmas," said Alfred. "I just want my baby back."

"It’s not going to be complete because she is always here with me on the holidays," she stated. "We always do Christmas, and we open one gift the night before Christmas, and then the next morning, I let them open all their gifts."

However, a somber mood now overshadows the holiday season. Amidst tears, the family hopes that investigators will be able to identify the culprits behind this tragic incident.

"I don't know what to say. I'm devastated for one. For two, I want my baby back. For three, I want justice. That’s all I want," she added, per Fox 10.

Who killed Cailee Knight?

According to James Barber, the Chief of Staff in Mobile, it's suspected that the actual target of the shooting was Cailee’s 16-year-old brother.

Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine expressed his belief that the incident was connected to gang activity.

Barber, in a city council meeting held on Tuesday, December 5, condemned the shooting as a senseless act of violence.

"Mobile Police officers are diligently looking for anyone involved in this senseless and reckless tragedy. I have full confidence that the perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice," Stimpson added.

Stimpson called the tragedy "outrageous and lawless behavior."

The heartbreaking tragedy of young Cailee’s untimely death has deeply affected the community, causing waves of sorrow and indignation.

The incident has highlighted the pressing need for immediate measures to safeguard the city’s children and avert such catastrophic events in the future.

Authorities suspect that two individuals were implicated in the shooting incident. It's also believed that the suspects were armed with an AR-15 rifle.

"It is horrifying and heartbreaking that a 9-year-old girl was shot and killed while she was asleep in her home," Mobile District Attorney Keith Blackwood stated.

"Our children must be protected. The sanctity of our homes must be protected."

Search intensifies

The relentless search for the individuals accountable for the tragic shooting of 9-year-old Cailee Knight is gaining momentum.

MPD Major Linda Tims has assured that the police will "not rest" until justice is brought in this case. She stated, "I can assure you that we are going to bring justice (for) that 9-year-old. We are going to be her voices."

If anyone has any information related to this incident, they are urged to reach out to the Mobile Police Department at 251-208-7211. Anonymous tips can be provided by texting 844-251-0644 or by visiting mobilepd.org/crimetip.

People on social media have been praying for justice for Cailee's family. A user wrote on Facebook, "My heart and prayers go out to the family of Cailee Knight. May justice come quick and certain."

Another replied, "Absolutely ridiculous....   praying for her family.. and the swift capture of those involved."

Another person commented on News personality Lacey Beasley's post, "We need to stop all over this killing what's going on with our people man that a baby."

We will be adding details to the story as it is developing.