Gun Violence in America: Children Caught in the Crossfire

BET.com looks at child victims of gun violence.

Crime - Although officials say overall crime fell by 2.63 percent in 2012, last year marked Detroit’s deadliest year in decades, with homicides topping 400. (Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
Zainee Hailey - Zainee Hailey, 13, of Newark, New Jersey, was gunned down shortly after she opened her Christmas presents. She was carrying the trash to the curb with her brother when a man in a ski mask opened fire in a case of mistaken identity, authorities said. Kasson Mormon, 15, was also slain in front of Zainee's home. Neighbors believe the gunman suspected the teens of stealing a red Jeep Cherokee. (Photo: Courtesy of the Hailey Family)
Antiq Hennis - Struck by a bullet to the head that reportedly was intended for his father, Antiq Hennis, 1, died Sept. 1 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, just blocks away from his home.  At least four shots rang out, according to police, and Antiq was the only one hit.(Photo: Courtesy of Antiq Hennis Family)
Jonylah Watkins - Jonylah Watkins was just 6 months old when she was killed on March 11 after she was hit by five bullets in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. Jonylah was with her father, Johnathan Watkins, 29, who was also shot several times. Koman Willis, 33, was charged with killing the infant and shooting her father.(Photo: Family photo via Chicago Tribune/ MCT /LANDOV)Zaree  - A bullet grazed Zaree, 2, in the head in Philadelphia on May 30 when a shootout between the police and two men broke out outside of his Germantown home. One gunman was killed, and the other remains in custody.(Photo: NBC10 NEWS)

Next Gallery

12 Powerful Quotes from Black Women Athletes to Inspire Greatness

12 Photos

2 / 13

Zainee Hailey - Zainee Hailey, 13, of Newark, New Jersey, was gunned down shortly after she opened her Christmas presents. She was carrying the trash to the curb with her brother when a man in a ski mask opened fire in a case of mistaken identity, authorities said. Kasson Mormon, 15, was also slain in front of Zainee's home. Neighbors believe the gunman suspected the teens of stealing a red Jeep Cherokee. (Photo: Courtesy of the Hailey Family)

ADVERTISEMENT