Sharia Lynch lived within “hollering distance” of a couple whose home had a front porch, and sometimes the 8-year-old would eat ice cream there with a friend.
Ahue Sims said Monday he and his wife enjoyed when the children visited, especially since their own children are grown.
When he returned home Saturday night after a meeting at his church, however, Sims knew something bad had happened. Crime scene tape and police cars were not a typical sight in Yorkville, his Paulding County neighborhood.
Sims was shocked to learn Sharia had been killed and her mother injured in what investigators believe was an accidental shooting.
“It was just a horrible accident,” Sims told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “The gun should not have been in the presence of a child.”
Marsha Lynch, 45, told investigators a handgun had fallen and discharged when it hit the floor at the family’s home on Fairview Drive. The same bullet struck Sharia in the head and her mother in the leg, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office said Monday. Lynch was taken to Floyd Medical Center in Rome, where she underwent surgery.
Paramedics hoped to fly Sharia to an Atlanta hospital by helicopter, but her condition deteriorated. She died before arriving at Paulding WellStar Hospital,
The deadly shooting remained under investigation, Sgt. Ashley Henson said. No information was released on where the gun was located in the home or how it fell, Henson said in an emailed statement.
Two other children and one adult were in the house at the time of the shooting but were not injured. Henson said a GBI firearm forensics team will be assisting with the investigation.
“At this point, detectives are still investigating this case and will speak to the victim and witnesses in more detail once the funeral has taken place,” Henson said.
Funeral arrangements were pending Monday afternoon for Sharia, who attended Ragsdale Elementary School.
Amie Graves told Channel 2 Action News her daughter was in the same class with Sharia from kindergarten through second grade, and the two girls enjoyed playing outside together.
“She was just an all-around sweet little girl, very cute, petite little thing,” Graves said. “Just an average 8-year-old just enjoying life. It’s awful. Awful.”
Sims said he and his wife enjoy company from kids on their street. Marsha Lynch is a hardworking parent and devoted to her children, the neighbor said.
He hadn’t spoken to the family since the shooting but plans to as soon as he can. Until then, Sims said the neighborhood and those in ministries are praying for the Lynch family.
“Every day, every week you hear about a kid being killed,” Sims said. “It just needs to stop. Put the guns down.”
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