CLEVELAND — A vigil held for 9-year-old Saniyah Nicholson brought the Cleveland community together on Friday, drawing hundreds of family, friends and even strangers.
It was held at the same place where Saniyah died just two days ago.
PHOTOS | Vigil held in memory of 9-year-old Saniyah Nicholson
“I loved her,” Saniyah's mother, Marshawnette Daniels said. “She was the highlight of everything."
MORE | Heartbroken mother of 9-year-old killed in Cleveland shooting gives message to killers' families
Around 7:15 Wednesday night, Nicholson and her sister were inside their mother’s car outside a gym on Lee Road near Cloverside Avenue. Their mother had gone inside to pick up their 14-year-old brother.
Police say a group of teen boys opened fire on each other, and a stray bullet struck and killed Nicholson. It is still not clear why the boys were fighting or whether they had ties to gangs.
Young Saniyah Nicholson, who lived a short life, will now live forever in the hearts of the Cleveland community.
"I'm praying criminals no longer feel safe in our neighborhoods,” said Briel Blair, who lives on the east side of Cleveland where the shooting happened. “I’m hurt.”
Her death tugged on the hearts of law enforcement as well. The FBI, U.S Marshals, and the Ohio State highway patrol teamed up with Cleveland police for one reason: to bring Saniyah's killers to justice.
"Yeah, a nine year old innocent victim caught in the crossfire," said Commander Gary Gingel with the Cleveland Police Department.
Federal agents helped city police with gathering intel, working leads and interviewing witnesses—somewhat unlikely alliance for a homicide.
Police were determined to get their guys. The U.S Marshals arrested three suspects in a span of 36 hours. The oldest suspect is 19-year-old Devontae Nettles. Two suspects were 17 years-old. We decided not to name them because they are minors. Police are actively looking for a 16-year-old in connection to the shooting as well.
"We told them to scratch what they were doing that this was going to be their priority until we make all of the arrest,” said U.S Marshals’ Brian Fitzgibbon.
Saniya's death is bringing a divided community together. A community that won't let Saniya die in vain and is determined for her legacy to be the driving force for change.
"If you sell drugs, if you carry guns and you walk the corners and you are not doing anything with yourself, something is going to change because of her death,” said Blair.
Police say charges could come for individuals who helped the suspects. They could be charged with aiding and abetting. There is still a reward of up to $20,000 for information on this case. If you have any, police are asking for you to give them a call.
WATCH | WKYC was there for Saniya's vigil. Watch our coverage from Facebook Live below: