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Teenage argument begins on Facebook, ends in shooting death at park

By Andrew V. Pestano

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 1 (UPI) -- A conflict between Birmingham, Ala. teenagers began with an argument on Facebook ended in a planned fight at a park that led to a 14-year-old girl being shot dead Friday.

Kierra'onna Rice was transported to Baptist Princeton Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead, according to local station WBRC.

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Two others victims were transported with gunshot wounds to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital.

Lt. Sean Edwards, Birmingham Police spokesman, said the conflict began with a group of girls who argued on Facebook three weeks ago, as reported by local station WIAT. The girls agreed to meet at a local park to record themselves fighting, aiming to post the video to social media.

"This was an absolutely senseless killing," Edwards said. "Fights on the street are not fair and are extremely unpredictable."

When the fight started, the two suspects, males aged 17 and 19, took out guns and fired. Police have taken the suspects into custody and police believe one of the suspects dated Rice.

The identify of the suspects will be released after formal charges are filed.

Rice is the second 14-year-old homicide victim in Birmingham recently, according to Alabama Today.

"We're starting to see a lot of teens armed and extremely dangerous," Edwards said. "We are starting to see them become more violent. They're using guns to solve their issues."

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