DeKalb police have arrested one man after a 5-year-old girl died Friday afternoon from a gunshot wound to the face.
Chad Brooks Sr., 36, of Lithonia was arrested Saturday in connection with the death of Jada Willingham, police said. He is charged with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children, DeKalb police spokeswoman Michaela Vincent said.
Officers were called to the 1800 block of Madras Court around 3:30 p.m. Friday, according to the initial investigation. Willingham had been shot in the face, officials said. She died at the hospital.
“Investigators do not believe Brooks was the shooter, but do believe his weapon was found and used in the shooting by one of several minors in the home at the time of the incident,” Vincent said.
The relationship between Brooks and Willingham is not clear.
“At this time, the investigation is very active and ongoing,” Vincent said in an emailed statement on Friday. “Our hearts go out to the family.”
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine who fired the fatal shot, Vincent said.
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