New Jersey police released the identity of a 10-year-old New Jersey girl who was killed in an apparent drive-by on the Fourth of July – while the unknown shooter remains on the loose.
Jasayde Holder, who’d just finished the fourth grade, was shot at a home in Vineland at around 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said in a Tuesday news release.
“She was described by her family as creative,” Webb-McRae said. “She loved music and riding her bike.”
Authorities are investigating whether the girl was the intended target of the shooting, the prosecutor’s office said previously.
The girl was shot at West Earl Drive and taken to Inspiria Medical Center, where she later died, according to authorities.
Jasayde’s death has rattled the neighborhood and Vineland public schools.
Resident Iris Ruiz was checking the exterior of her own house nearby looking for evidence of bullets on Tuesday, according to The Burlington County Times. The senseless shooting on a holiday bothered Ruiz.
“It’s supposed to be a day to celebrate, to be with family,” Ruiz reportedly said.
Resident Nate Lee told NJ.com that he was shocked.
“A 10-year-old girl lost her life,” he said. “For what?”
Vineland Public Schools are offering counseling and support services in the wake of the child’s tragic death, schools Superintendent Alfonso Llano said in a statement, according to NJ.com.
“She will be missed greatly by her family, friends, and the entire school community,” Llano reportedly said.
Investigators are asking residents in the area to share any surveillance footage from 9:30 to 11:30 on the night of the shooting.
Information can be shared by contacting the department at 609-579-1431 or submitting information to njccpo.org/tips. Tips can be anonymous.