little girl to recover

[justashooter 430]

BALTIMORE -- The family of a 5-year-old girl who was shot last week said that she is giving them reason to hope for the best.

Raven Wyatt's family said it's a miracle that she survived a gunshot wound to the head. They said the child is showing signs that she will heal and get out of critical condition.

According to family members, Wyatt was known as "Mama" for her take-charge attitude. It's that tenacity that they believe is helping her heal.

Wyatt was struck in the head by a stray bullet Thursday as she and an older cousin walked home from a southwest Baltimore store.

As family remained by Wyatt's hospital bedside, neighbors gathered to pray for her recovery and address persistent crime in Carrollton Ridge.

Lamont Davis

"We owe an apology for not being in the neighborhood sooner. We have to look at what created this problem and fix it," Paul Robeson Foundation member Michael Johnson said.

Activists said part of the problem includes reining in troubled teenagers such as Lamont Davis. The 17-year-old is charged with attempted murder in the shooting.

Investigators said Davis was aiming at another teen.

Circuit Court Clerk Frank Conway said someone with Davis' extensive juvenile record never should have been out on the street in the first place.

"We have to bring more pressure to the judicial system to stop plea bargaining. If you do the crime, you do the time," Conway said. "We have to bring more pressure to the judicial system to stop plea bargaining. If you do the crime, you do the time."

- Circuit Court Clerk Frank Conway

Wyatt's family said her twin brother and three older siblings are anxious to have her home and out of the hospital.

Her mother spoke with 11 News and expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of community support. She said what her family needs most right now are prayers for Wyatt's recovery.

Previous Stories:

July 6, 2009: Alleged Teen Shooter Had Lengthy Record

July 6, 2009: Arrest Made In 5-Year-Old Girl's Shooting

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

She should have had a gun to protect herself. Drop that ridiculous age limit already!