It’s justice one year in the making. The NOPD has announces the arrest of six men in connection with the murder of 11-year-old Arabian Gayles. The men range in from 18 to 20.
Gayles was days away from her 12th birthday. Instead last September a stray bullet from gunfire outside her home on General Ogden Street pierced the walls and killed her.
Interim Chief Michael Harrison says the shooting was sparked by an armed robbery and a drug deal gone bad between two rival gangs.
“The irony of this is that an 11-year-old child lost her life while holding a 1-year-old baby. Again another innocent person who very well could have been killed as a result of illegal drug activity and others because of their greed trying to rob the drug dealers,” says Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro.
Of the six arrested five are facing first degree murder charges and possibly the death penalty, and three were already in prison.
Those already behind bars and possibly facing death: 20-year-old Terry Green, 18-year-old Jacshan Griffin, and 19-year-old Jermaine Scott. According to police, the three are also members of the MMG Gang.
Arrested Thursday and possibly facing death: 20-year-old Chris Arana, and 18-year-old Ronnell Martin. Police say both have been linked to the Breadwinners M-Unit gang.
20-year-old Roderick Taylor is charged with accessory after the fact to first degree murder.
“All this violence is just ridiculous,” exclaims West Carrollton resident Kaitlin Dahl.
Residents in this West Carrollton neighborhood who knew of the horror say finally there’s some closure and proof that justice can prevail.
“After 48 hours it’s less likely to find out what happened,” says Dahl, “It’s very encouraging to know that the cops continued to look into it.”