SHARON HILL, PENNSYLVANIA: The Delaware County District Attorney's Office on Thursday, September 2 stated that there is a "high probability" that 8-year-old Fanta Bility was struck by a stray bullet from police officers who returned fire during a shooting at a high school football game on August 27, 2021, in Sharon Hill. 

According to a preliminary investigation, three Sharon Hill Police Officers were patrolling the Sharon Hill Sports Complex following a game between Academy High School and Pennsbury High School when gunfire erupted on the 900 block of Coates Street. At least one bullet came towards the officers and injured a civilian. Investigators say the officers fired back and may have hit four people, including 8-year-old Fanta Bility and her 12-year-old sister. 

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Fanta suffered a gunshot wound to her neck and died at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Her older sister was treated and released that same night, according to the family. No updates were provided on the two other victims.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer issued preliminary findings in the investigation in what he said was an attempt to be transparent. He said investigators had determined shots were fired on the street outside the football stadium, with at least one fired in the direction of three Sharon Hill police officers who were monitoring the crowd as it left the game. The officers returned fire, Stollsteimer said. "The death of Fanta and the wounding of her sister and the other students are a heartbreaking tragedy for her family, her friends, and the entire Delaware County community," he added. 

Fanta's relatives spoke to the Philadelphia Inquirer and said the "sweet, loving, funny" child had a smile that could light up a room. "We are hurt, and we need justice," Fanta's aunt, identified only as Fatima, told the paper. "She didn't deserve this. She was an innocent girl. She did nothing wrong, and she never hurt anyone."

A memorial has started in honor of Fanta at the Sharron Hill Sports Complex. Anyone wishing to help the family with expenses can do so at the GoFundMe page. The page raised  $16,813. At this point, no one has been charged in connection with the initial shooting or Fanta's death.