On Tuesday afternoon, an 11-year-old girl police identified as Taliyah Clarke was shot inside her Miami apartment and later died from her injuries. The three charged in connection to her death are among those who’d normally be expected to care for Clarke the most.
Authorities said the victim was in a bedroom with her 9-year-old brother when Taliyah’s father, Titato Hatzate Clarke, and grandmother Charlene Ann Webster heard a gunshot, according to NBC Miami. Titato ran into the children’s room and saw that his daughter suffer a gunshot wound to the chest.
Investigators later discovered a Glock handgun wrapped in a pink scarf and brown blanket in the kids’ bedroom. They also found a bullet casing and pools of blood. According to reports, “all three adults were residents of the apartment at the time of the shooting and shared responsibility for supervision of the victim.”
In Miami-Dade bond court Wednesday, prosecutors stated they believe that the victim’s brother shot Clarke. A defense attorney stated that all three adults did not know there was a gun in the home. Authorities said Titato drove his daughter to Holtz Children’s Hospital, where she died from her injuries after surgery.
On Wednesday, Titato, his partner Nancy Severe and Webster were all arrested by Miami police and charged with aggravated manslaughter.
“The investigation continues and anyone involved will be held accountable in this tragic incident,” Miami Police explained in a statement Wednesday. Clarke’s godmother, Alexandra Dutherville, has started a GoFundMe for her goddaughter’s funeral service.
“My name is Alexandra, and I am the godmother of Taliyah, a beloved 11-year-old girl who tragically passed away on July 9th, 2024. This unexpected loss has deeply saddened our family,” Dutherville wrote. “Our goal is to provide Taliyah with a beautiful homecoming befitting the angel she was.”