ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) – An Atlanta father issued a plea for assist and warning to oldsters after a strong daddy-daughter bond was shattered by gunfire.

Seven-year-old Ava Phillips was caught within the crossfire and killed at Camden Vantage Residences in Atlanta’s Previous Fourth Ward neighborhood.

Her father, Jonathan Phillips, stated Ava was well mannered, lovely, and “may do all of it.”

“Ava was all the pieces I ever wished in a little bit lady,” stated Phillips. “Appeared similar to me, lively – she’s the youngest, however she known as all of the pictures.”

Phillips stated he dropped off Ava together with her mom for a fast weekend keep. Saturday round 10 p.m. he obtained a devastating telephone name that Ava had been shot within the head and killed.

Monday, police arrested Kemeka Springfield, who Phillips stated is Ava’s mom. Springfield faces prices of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm through the fee of a felony.

Springfield waived her first courtroom look hours after her arrest.

Monday afternoon, police continued to seek for 23-year-old Deshon Collins, believed to be the one that fired the shot that killed Ava. Authorities stated the gunshots stemmed from a home dispute.

Phillips stated he by no means met Collins personally, however believed he was in a relationship with one other member of the family on the gathering.

A candlelight vigil is deliberate for Ava on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on the Camden Vantage Residences. Phillips has arrange a GoFundMe to assist with funeral bills.

“Lots of people love her. Lots of people miss her already,” stated Phillips. “She’s my child – I simply need to let her exit with a bang, let her know we love her.”

Ava was a second-grade pupil at Bouie Elementary. She beloved the window seat on airplanes and taking part in ball together with her brothers.

She leaves behind a big household – together with six siblings.

As Phillips and his household band collectively in grief, he issued a warning to different dad and mom in Atlanta.

“Love your kids. Be protected, shield them,” he stated. “You by no means know the final time you’re going to see them. Mine was speculated to be gone for the weekend, and right here we’re.”

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