4 Year Old Girl, Phenix City, Shooting: Girl Critically Wounded, Suspect in Custody

A 4-year-old girl was critically injured in a shooting at her apartment on Sunday while she slept, leaving the local community shocked and concerned for her safety. The incident took place at the Whispering Pines Apartments on the 1200 block of 12th Street in Phenix City.

Law enforcement arrived promptly and found the child wounded. Her current medical condition has not been disclosed.

Police have identified 25-year-old Youhan Jones Jr. as the suspect. He is reportedly dating the girl’s mother and was taken into custody on Monday. Jones faces multiple charges, including five counts of attempted murder and one count of shooting into an occupied dwelling, and was already awaiting trial on a similar charge from 2022.

Four other people were in the apartment during the shooting, including two other children, none of whom were harmed. Additionally, the girl’s mother, Stephanie Ward, and her friend, Vantasia Mayes, have been charged with first-degree hindering prosecution for allegedly helping Jones evade arrest.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and are asking anyone with information to come forward. The incident has raised concerns about domestic violence and firearm safety in homes with children, prompting local officials to stress vigilance and community support for affected families.

This tragic event highlights the vulnerability of children in domestic violence situations and the urgent need for protective measures to prevent similar incidents.