Chicago: Man Fatally Shoots 9-Year-Old Girl in Front of Her Father

A 9-year-old Chicago girl, Serabi Medina, was fatally shot while riding her scooter outside her apartment building in the Portage Park neighborhood, AP reports.

Prosecutors allege that the accused, Michael Goodman, allegedly targeted Medina deliberately.

He crossed a street, entered the vestibule of the apartment building, and headed straight toward the girl before opening fire.

Despite her father's shouts, Goodman allegedly disregarded them, raised his arm, and shot Medina in the head Saturday night.

Medina's father attempted to intervene by tackling Goodman, causing the firearm to discharge again and striking Goodman in the eye.

Goodman was subsequently apprehended and treated for his injury, after which he was released from the hospital and appeared in court Tuesday.

Tragically, the Chicago girl was rushed to Stroger Hospital and pronounced dead.

Suspect on Chicago Girl's Shooting Death Is Being Held Without Bond

During the court hearing, the motive behind the shooting remained undisclosed, according to ABC 7.

However, a Cook County judge ruled against granting Michael Goodman a bond. He faces the charge of first-degree murder.

The defendant's public defender refrained from providing a statement following the hearing, but she did advocate for a reasonable bond in court, highlighting that Goodman has no prior criminal record.

Police reportedly discovered a bullet hole in a wall within Goodman's apartment and a bullet casing.

According to prosecutors, Goodman has worked as a computer programmer for the past two decades and possesses a Firearm Owners Identification card.

California Girl Remembered by Her Family and Neighbors

Family members and neighbors fondly remembered the 9-year-old girl, Serabi Medina, for her joyful spirit and adventurous nature, per Chicago Tribue.

She adored her dog, enjoyed riding her bicycle around the neighborhood, and assisted her mechanic father in fixing cars.

Jacqueline Rodriguez, one of her aunts, recounted a recent family trip to a water park where Serabi was filled with happiness and excitement.

"She was having the time of her life," Rodriguez shared. Marisol Cruz, another aunt, described Serabi as a fearless and daring child.

Neighbors gathered to pay their respects as a memorial outside Serabi's apartment building continued to grow with candles, flowers, balloons, and photographs. Stuffed animals were placed around a tree as a symbol of remembrance.

Mario Silva, who helps manage the building, fondly recalled seeing Serabi many times and remarked on her beauty and cheerful demeanor.

The heartbreaking tragedy visibly moved passersby at the memorial for Serabi Medina.

Some placed their hands over their hearts as they walked past the memorial, while a group of young boys paused to make the sign of the cross, expressing their condolences.

A young woman lit a candle and took a moment to collect herself, wiping tears from her eyes.

Edwin Roman, a 38-year-old resident of Portage Park, left a tie-dye teddy bear attached to colorful balloons at the memorial.

Despite not knowing Serabi personally, he felt compelled to pay his respects upon learning of the tragic event. He expressed his sorrow for the young girl's short life.

Known as "Bibi," Serabi eagerly anticipated the start of fourth grade before the tragedy occurred.

The Chicago girl's mother, Blanca Miranda, tragically lost her life in a shooting incident 2018. The family had moved to their Portage Park apartment following her mother's passing.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 9-year-old girl shot to death years after mother gunned down - From ABC 7 Chicago