Authorities in Ohio said a six-month-old baby has been left in a critical condition after her grandmother intentionally shot her in the head. Per WXIX, the shooting occurred at the family’s townhouse in Liberty Township on Saturday morning.
The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Mia Desiree Harris, was later arrested after she initially fled the scene following the shooting. In the wake of the incident, Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said the shooting “wasn’t an accident” and “it was on purpose.”
Harris was also identified as the shooter by witnesses. “During the incident, Harris shot at family members before intentionally shooting the child,” said Jones. “It was several family members together. There was arguing. They were fighting. She grabbed the weapon.
“She shot and missed at her daughter, I believe. Then, they moved the daughter from one room to the other and then she went and shot this child and doesn’t appear to have any remorse whatsoever.”
Harris has since been charged with three counts of felonious assault and is being held without bond at Butler County Jail, WXIX reported. Jones also said the charges could be updated during the investigations.
“This is one of the most disgusting, vile criminal acts I’ve ever seen, shooting a 6-month-old baby. What makes it even worse is this is the baby’s grandmother,” the sheriff said. “The baby is hanging onto life as we speak. It’s in God’s hands now. We should all pray for this 6-month-old baby.”
The bullet is said to have struck the baby in one eye. She was subsequently transported to the UC West Chester Hospital before being taken to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center for further treatment. The sheriff also said the victim has had two surgeries.
“Imagine doing surgery on that small of a child where these crazy people do these things to kids. It’s disgusting and it’s one of the worst things I’ve seen,” Jones said. “I feel sorry for the baby, the family, everybody that’s dealing with this. The doctors, the life squad people, the deputies, everybody. This is as bad as it gets.”
A family friend said the victim’s family currently needs “help” and “resources.” “Christmas is in two weeks and their focus is on the baby and hoping the baby is going to be okay.”
