A Michigan resident, Gyasi Stribling, has been handed a prison sentence ranging from 40 to 60 years for the fatal shooting of his 8-year-old sister, Bailei Singleton. The incident occurred in their apartment’s living room, reportedly because the young girl was “talking back” to him. The sentencing took place on Tuesday, following Stribling’s conviction of first-degree murder by a jury last month.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the conviction, which stemmed from the tragic event that took place in 2021. Prosecutor Karen McDonald expressed her sorrow over the incident, stating that Bailei should still be alive today. She described the murder as a family tragedy and condemned the act of a relative taking a life over a minor disagreement. McDonald also highlighted the incident as a grim reminder of the ongoing public health crisis of gun violence.
The Southfield police, serving a suburb of Detroit, responded to the incident on January 3, 2021, at the 12 North Apartments. Bailei was immediately rushed to the hospital in a critical condition but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries a few days later.
According to The Detroit News, Stribling, who was 20 at the time, initially claimed that his sister was shot during a robbery. However, this narrative was quickly debunked after two witnesses in the home provided a different account of the events. Stribling attempted to dispose of the gun, but it was later recovered by the police. He was arrested a few days after the incident and has been held in the Oakland County Jail since then.
The crime left the local police shocked. Southfield police Chief Elvin Barren, in an interview with local NBC affiliate WDIV, expressed his distress over the incident. He described it as a “heinous crime” and expressed confidence that Stribling would be sentenced to prison. Barren’s prediction came true when the jury convicted Stribling after a two-day trial.