An 11-year-old girl is fighting for her life after being shot in the head while riding in her father’s car in Antioch, northeast of San Francisco. The shocking incident took place on January 5 as the pair prepared to leave an apartment complex, sending ripples of fear and grief through the family and local community.
Police say a gunman fired into the car, with one bullet passing through the rear windshield and striking the young girl in the head. She was rushed to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, where she initially lost her eyesight and ability to walk. Her father, who has asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, shared the heartbreaking moment his daughter first spoke after being shot:
“‘Dad, why can’t I see?’ Those words… no parent should ever hear,” he said, describing the pain that gripped his heart.
Her aunt, Anahi Ramirez, also expressed the family’s shock and anguish:
“I’m still in shock. I can’t believe everything that’s happened. It’s very difficult… it’s so hard to see her like that.”
The suspect, Ryan Hardy, turned himself in to the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office on January 12 after discussions with investigators and the family. Police are investigating the motives behind the shooting.
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