Little Girl's Family Asks For Retaliation To Stop

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Two assault weapons, two shot guns, a hunting rifle and a bullet proof vest: they were just a few of the weapons found in a St. Petersburg apartment. Police say it has ties to the shooting death of 8-year-old Paris Whitehead-Hamilton.

"The weapons we have recovered are consistent with the types of rounds and shell casing at the scene," says St. Petersburg Police Chief Chuck Harmon.

Harmon says the fire power behind these weapons have a specific purpose, "I don't know any good use of an assault weapon other than to kill other human beings. As far as I'm concerned as Chief of Police, they have no place on our streets."

Harmon tells reporters during a press conference Tuesday that retaliation appears to be the reason behind Sunday morning's shooting.

The series of events leading up to Paris' death may have started with Markeath Fielder. Police have arrested the 19-year-old for aggravated assault.

Police say Fielder got into a fist fight several weeks ago with another man. Then on Saturday night, Fielder allegedly shot at that man. A few hours later, Fielder spent the night at the 8-year-old's home when the drive-by shooting took place. Police say he may have been the target.

Paris' family says they've known Fielder for about four years, but never knew about the fight a few weeks ago.

On Sunday police arrested 18-year-old Stephen Harper and charged him with first degree murder. Police say around 2:20 a.m., 50 rounds from a semi-automatic assault weapon sprayed into the home Paris' home. One bullet hit her in the torso, killing her.

Investigators are looking for three other suspects. For now they're withholding their names. "There's concern of further retaliation and worry about safety for those families involved," says Harmon.

Several of Paris' relatives and family friends attended the press conference. They want the blood bath to stop.

"I don't want any family to go through what we are going through," says Lashawn Crawford, Paris' cousin. She adds, "I beg, I plead, anyone thinking of retaliating. The getting back, the get even... it stops here. I don't want another family to have to sit in front of these cameras telling about their child. Those are the victims the small kids they can't not defend themselves."

Paris' family asks witnesses to forget the rule on the streets and to speak up and help solve this case.

"At this point it's not about us it's about justice for this little girl," says Crawford.

"The community is a big part of the solution as is the police department. We need to work together to solve this issue," adds Harmon.

Paris' family says they put their faith in God and the judicial system. "We will not rest until every single one has their day in court."

Crawford says she will remember Paris as the little girl who enjoyed life and enjoyed family. "She loved to read. She was a bubbly little girl who would be running down the street playing. You're typical little girl but a smart little girl."

The wake is set for this Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home. The funeral is set for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church in St. Petersburg.

Since Paris loved to read, the family is asking for book donations to be made to the local library in her name.

©2009 WTSP. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.