Jalinda Campbell, a 12-year-old African American girl, tragically lost her life on October 28, 2016, in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Jalinda was shot while sitting on the porch of her home, alongside 3-year-old Kyleigh Graham, who was also injured in the incident. The shooting occurred around 4 p.m., and both children were immediately taken to the hospital.
Unfortunately, Jalinda succumbed to her injuries at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, while Kyleigh was flown to Duke University Medical Center for treatment.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was a drive-by, and the children were not the intended targets. Southern Pines Police Chief Bob Temme and Captain Charles Campbell led the investigation, which quickly identified suspects involved in the tragic event. Montice Tyree McManus, a 16-year-old, was arrested and charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. Additionally, 20-year-old Malik Rashad Crawford was charged with accessory after the fact of murder. Both suspects were taken into custody, with McManus held without bond and Crawford on a $300,000 bond.
The community of Southern Pines was deeply affected by Jalinda's death. Her father, Gregory Harris, expressed his heartbreak and the family's struggle to cope with the loss. A vigil was held in Jalinda's memory, where family and friends gathered to honor her life. The porch where the shooting occurred became a tribute site, filled with candles, balloons, and heartfelt messages.
The legal proceedings for the suspects continued, with McManus scheduled for a court appearance on November 22, 2016. The Southern Pines Police Department urged anyone with information about the case to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community support in bringing justice for Jalinda and her family. The investigation remained ongoing, as authorities sought to uncover all details surrounding the tragic event and ensure that those responsible were held accountable.
