DETROIT – A 2-year-old Detroit girl who was shot in the head during a dispute over a spilled drink between two groups of people has died.
St. John Hospital spokesman Brian Taylor said Makanzee Oldham died Sunday. She was shot Wednesday while in a car on Fairmount after a fight erupted and someone poured juice on a woman getting ready for prom.
"We had a long weekend planned out for her. But, unfortunately, this happened," said Makenzee's father, Marcell Oldham. "She was a blessing, always happy. She didn't deserve it. This was senseless."
Men accused of fighting over spilled juice; facing charges
Thirty-year-old Cleveland Smelley, 21-year-old Deonta Bennett and 32-year-old Antoine Smelley were charged Saturday on eight counts each of assault with intent to murder and other crimes. Bond was denied.
Prosecutors said Antoine Smelley poured juice over the head of a woman who was getting ready to leave the house to go to a prom, and then pulled out a handgun and threatened the young woman and her friends.
Cleveland Smelley and Bennett met up with Antoine Smelle and got into a fight with several people, prosecutors said. During the fight, it is alleged that Bennett gave a handgun to Cleveland Smelley, who shot at seven people in a car, hitting Makanzee.
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The Wayne County prosecutor's office did not immediately respond to a question Sunday about whether additional charges will be filed now that the girl has died.
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Help for Makenzee's family
Makenzee died just two weeks shy of her third birthday. The family has set up an online fund for funeral expenses.