A 7-year-old girl remains in critical condition after she was shot in the head while sleeping in her own home, the Pageland Police Department confirmed Monday.
Authorities are calling the incident a “careless act of violence” and are urging the public to come forward with any information.
The shooting occurred just after 1:17 a.m. Sunday, when bullets were fired into a home in the quiet community of Pageland, South Carolina.
One of the rounds struck Skylar Baker, who was asleep in bed, in the right side of her brain, according to police and her mother, Essence Chambers.
Skylar was treated at the scene and then airlifted to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. As of Tuesday, she remains on a ventilator in critical condition.
“Before all of this, she was completely healthy,” Chambers told ABC News. “She’s a ball of energy, a happy child. I want everybody to keep praying for her.”
Doctors have already inserted a plate into Skylar’s head and are preparing her for a craniotomy. Her mother described the shooting as a nightmare no parent should ever face.
Pageland Police Chief Dean Short condemned the shooting during a Monday press conference, saying:
“This is a terrible thing, especially in a small community. What matters is we come together, support one another, and take a stand against this type of violence.”
Neighbor Melissa Massey echoed that sentiment, calling the drive-by shooting “unheard of” in Pageland.
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the incident and believe it was a drive-by. As of now, no suspect has been identified, and police are pleading with the community to come forward with any leads.
“We are heartbroken that this little girl is suffering due to the actions of someone who had no regard for the life of others,” police said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pageland Police Department at 843-672-6437.
