Police likely fired the shot that killed an 8-year-old girl during an exchange of gunfire outside a high school football game in Philadelphia last week, according to preliminary findings from the district attorney, The Associated Press reported.
Investigators found that shots were first fired toward Sharon Hill Police Department officers stationed at the main entrance into the game between Pennsbury and Academy Park high schools, the AP reported.
The three officers returned fire, striking four bystanders and killing 8-year-old Fanta Bility, according to the AP.
“Tragically, our investigation has now determined that there is a high probability that the responsive gunfire of the Sharon Hill Police Officers struck four victims, including the shots that killed 8-year-old Fanta Bility and wounded her sister,” Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer (D) said in a statement Thursday.
Pennsbury High School announced that none of their coaches, players, and staff were injured in the incident but that counselors would be available to members of the school community.
“Details are still unfolding but initial reports indicate that individuals were shot as they exited the game,” the school said in a statement.
Stollsteimer also said that he met with Bility’s family on Thursday, adding that his office is still investigating who fired initial shots at the game, the AP noted.
The news wire reported that it was unclear whether the officers who fired shots had been placed on leave while the investigation is ongoing.