Calyia Elizabeth Stringer, a 3-year-old African American girl, tragically lost her life on September 7, 2021, after being struck by a stray bullet in East St. Louis, Illinois. The incident occurred on the evening of September 5, 2021, at the Roosevelt Homes Public Housing Complex. Calyia was inside her father's apartment, watching TV, when gunfire erupted outside the building. A bullet penetrated the wall and struck her in the head. Despite being rushed to a St.
Louis area hospital, Calyia succumbed to her injuries two days later.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the shooting was the result of a confrontation between individuals outside the complex. Occupants of a dark-colored sedan began firing at a crowd of people, and at least one person from the crowd returned fire. During this exchange, a bullet entered the apartment where Calyia was and caused the fatal injury. The suspects fled the scene immediately after the shooting, and no arrests have been made so far.
The East St. Louis Police Department, along with the Illinois State Police, launched an investigation into the incident. They have urged anyone with information to come forward, offering a reward for tips that lead to the arrest of those responsible. The community has been deeply affected by this senseless act of violence, with family members and neighbors expressing their grief and calling for justice.
Calyia's death highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the area, prompting calls for increased security measures at the Roosevelt Homes complex. Residents have voiced their concerns about the frequency of such incidents and the need for a more permanent police presence to ensure the safety of children and families living there.
