Four teenagers who were taken into custody for a drive-by shooting in Orlando that claimed the lives of a 6-year-old girl and another teenager, were connected to ongoing “gang and gun violence,” according to the new State Attorney.
On Wednesday, Brandon James Pickett, 17, was arrested for first degree homicide in connection with the shooting deaths of 6-year-old Ajahliyah Hashim and 19-year-old Isaiyah Wright.
Pickett joins three others that have been arrested in connection with the case in the past week, including 15-year-old Nico Brown, 18-year-old Raymond Bowery, Jr., and 17-year-old Kny Adams.
“Gang and gun violence in our community will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” reads a statement issued by State Attorney Andrew Bain, who replaced former attorney Monique Worrell last month after she was removed from her position by Governor Ron DeSantis.
The shooting took place in the 1100 block of Poppy Avenue on August 29. On that day, Orlando Police Department officers responded to the area in reference to reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, police located Hashim and her mother suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to a local hospital, where Hashim passed away days later.
Hashim, who was a student at Eagle’s Nest Elementary School, was sitting inside her living room when she was shot by stray bullets. She and her mother were not the intended targets of the shooting, police say.
Wright was located at Health Central Hospital a short time after the shooting and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
According to Bain, the individuals arrested in connection with the homicides will all be tried as adults, despite three being under the age of 18.
“When we charge teenagers as adults, we are deterring and addressing these acts of violence early to hold individuals accountable,” says Bain. His office says it will hold the “most dangerous and violent offenders accountable for their actions” and ensure that they will face the “full consequences of the crimes they have committed.”
Law enforcement authorities are still asking the public for any information related to this incident. If you can share a tip with the police, call the Orlando Police Department at 321-235-5300, or the Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-8477.