In a heartbreaking twist to an already tragic story, two people have been charged in connection with the shooting death of 12-year-old Dalilah Batey, a girl described by her mother as the "happy, smiley, dancing queen." Tyler Q. Wright, 19, is facing charges of felony child endangerment resulting in death after Dalilah was fatally shot Sunday night within a Calumet Heights home, as per Chicago Sun-Times. Wright lives in the 9200 block of South Harper Avenue, the same block where the incident occurred, and was taken into custody that night.
A 14-year-old boy has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly causing the discharge of the firearm that killed Dalilah. According to CBS News Chicago, prosecutors say the boy dropped a gun on a bed, which then went off, striking Dalilah in the head. He was arrested on the same night, charged, and subsequently released on electronic monitoring. Dalilah's parents grappling with the shocking loss shared with CBS News their daughter's love for dance and life, her mother Ciara Batey saying that her "whole heart is gone."
The incident took place, with a group of people, including Dalilah present, who were reportedly engaging in risky behavior with firearms. Details provided by the Chicago Sun-Times also noted that Wright had access to multiple firearms at the scene. The firearms in question included a "ghost gun" – a weapon without a serial number, making it harder to trace.
Dalilah's family and community are left to mourn amidst the rubble of circumstances that led to this agonizing moment. The site of the incident, a property that has been listed as vacant for over a decade, is now part of the ongoing investigation. The building's state of neglect has been cited multiple times by the city for failing to register it as vacant, and for failing to maintain it in a safe condition, as indicated by city building records, and further reported by CBS News Chicago. Dalilah's imminent 13th birthday adds a layer of poignancy to her untimely departure. In a statement obtained by CBS News, Ciara Batey implored others to "Hold your kids tight," no doubt a reflection of the gaping hole left in the fabric of her family.
Police records indicate no prior criminal history for the 14-year-old involved, making the incident a stark tragedy. Multiple firearms were recovered from the yard of the house following the shooting.
