Arrest Made In Death Of 15-Year-Old Miami Girl, Arya Gray, After Being Shot In The Head 'By Her Friend'
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami police have made an arrest in the death of a 15-year-old girl who was shot in the head by a friend who was playing with a gun, according to police.
Thalys Oliveira, who turns 18 years old in two weeks, is charged with Manslaughter in the death of 15-year-old Arya Gray.
"This is awful. How did this happen? A 17-year-old boy with a loaded gun and she was shot right here in the head and he said he was playing. That's not fair. She was only 15-year- old. She was responsible. She was beautiful and lovable. She was such a good person. Everyone knows Arya. Everyone loves Arya," Gray's aunt Nelly Rastelli cried while talking to CBS4's Peter D'Oench.
"I have lots of questions. He has a gun and why did his parents allow that. Why did they allow him to live alone in the apartment and do whatever he wants. My niece had a lot of dreams. A lot of dreams," said Rastelli.
Gray's grandmother Amelia Javier also wept as she said "I don't know why this happened. She was my granddaughter. She would come in every day to my house, to my work. She was my baby. She was just 15-years-old."
Gray's family members said Oliveira's parents allowed him to live alone in the apartment.
"I am satisfied that they made the arrest but I want justice. Justice not only for the kid that killed my niece but justice for the parents that let the kid lives in this apartment while they are living in Brazil, living the life, while they have a gun in the house. If you have a gun, lock it up. Don't tell your kid about it," said Gray's uncle Sergio Rastelli.
Gray, a student at Miami Beach Senior High School, was shot while in Oliveria's apartment in the 7800 block of NE 10th Avenue around 2:00 a.m. Tuesday morning.
Family members say the shooting happened right in front of Gray's older sister.
Miami Fire Rescue rushed Gray to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition, where she later died.
According to the police report, witnesses said Oliveira was 'recklessly brandishing' a gun while inside his home.
Two of the witnesses told police they asked him to put the gun away, which he did, but a short time later, he had the gun again. The witnesses said he "pointed the firearm at the victim, placing his finger on the trigger and fired one round and striking the victim in the head,", according to the report.
During questioning, police say, he told them he was playing with the gun when he "pulled the trigger, saw a flash and struck the victim one time in the head."
There was a court hearing for Oliveira Tuesday morning. The state announced its intent to pursue charges against him as an adult. His next hearing will be on June 2nd.
Gray's grieving mother, Maria Elena Gray, posted about her daughter's death on her Facebook page.
She wrote, "I lost my 15 year old today from a gunshot wound to her head by her friend!! I just need support! I don't really have friends except on FB! I'm sorry I'm devistated and I don't know how to pull it together for my other two kids!! Save me GOD!!
Kiara Delva, a spokeswoman for Miami police, said one person was immediately detained for questioning.
Wednesday morning, Arya's mother posted another message on Facebook stating, "I am at peace for everyone's support!! I can't comment on each as it's hard for me to even write at this time! But I love you all!! My baby girl is smiling in heaven for all the love she is getting! I am on thin thread but I have to be there for my two other babies.. Arya wants that!! I miss her so much but all your word have kept me safe and at peace!! I read everyone of your comments!! I love you all!!"
Bianka Krausch, a friend of the Gray family, set-up a GoFundMe to raise $25,000 to cover funeral and memorial costs.
"Please help us share this and support Maria who is going through the most difficult time that a mother can endure, in an already over-stressed time for all," the GoFundMe said.
Alberto Carvalho, the Miami-Dade County Public Schools superintendent, tweeted out condolences on Tuesday night,
"Completely preventable & utterly heartbreaking. As long as weapons are accessible to children, tragedies like these will no doubt continue to happen. Tonight, we mourn the loss of this young & promising life. Girl dies after being shot in head in Miami," he said.
