Advertisement

Girl killed in drive-by at Kansas City convenience store

Angel Hooper, the 6-year-old killed in a Kansas City drive-by, was remembered as a praised dancer who sang at her kindergarten graduation.

By Frances Burns

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 20 (UPI) -- A 6-year-old girl who had stopped at a Kansas City convenience store with her father to buy bubble gum was killed in a drive-by shooting.

Angel Hooper had been out running with her father, family members said. She was killed by a shot from a passing car Friday evening.

Advertisement

Maj. Karl Oakman, a police commander, said investigators are hoping a detailed examination of videotape from the store's security cameras will yield clues to the shooter.

"Angel has all the power of the Kansas City Police Department behind her," Oakman said. "Wherever you are, we will find you."

Angel's family and friends gathered in Sycamore Park, about a mile from the store, Sunday afternoon. They remembered a little girl who loved to sing and was a praise dancer at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

Brittany Hans, who taught Angel in kindergarten, began weeping as she spoke during the vigil of her graduation. Angel sang "You are my sunshine."

"She was my little teacher's aide," Hans said. "She was smart all the way around and she helped other kids who weren't getting it as well."

Advertisement

Latest Headlines