‘They took my baby girl’- Mother cries bitterly as her 16-year-old girl was shot dead

In an early Sunday morning shooting in Orlando, a 16-year-old girl was killed.

Just before 1 a.m., police were sent to the Wawa on John Young Parkway near Silver Star Road for news of a shooting.

The victim was discovered a short distance away on Silver Star Road by responding police. She was sent to Arnold Palmer Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Tavyiah King has been named as the victim by police. Evans High School was her alma mater.

Alisha Rodriguez, her mum, describes her as a successful student who never got into trouble and enjoyed having fun.

“She was so smart and the coolest little kid you could ever meet,” Rodriguez said. “They just took my baby girl. I don’t know what to say. I miss her already…and i really hope somebody just tells me something…anything. Any little thing will help.”

On Sunday afternoon, friends and relatives assembled at their Pine Hills home to pray and comfort one another.

“We are here today, once again facing another tragedy within our community that has impacted a family of one that is innocent.”

Regina Hill, the Orlando City Commissioner, was Tavyiah’s sister.

“This is a plea,” Commissioner Hill said Sunday afternoon. “I give so much to this community, and I don’t ask for nothing. I’m asking you all to find the murderers of my niece.”