A shooting at the Riverchase Galleria killed a child, and injured three other people Friday afternoon, Hoover police said. An 8-year old boy was shot in the head and killed outside The Children's Place clothing store, as his family hit the floor to take cover. Police said the call came in at 3:18 p.m., and officers raced to the scene. The mall was evacuated, and will remain closed through Saturday. There were no immediate reporters of arrests, and the motive was under investigation. Mayor Frank Brocato said the deadly violence left him "heartbroken." Brocato says he met with relatives of the child killed by the gunfire, Royta Giles, and asked the public to be in prayer for the family. Hoover police chief Nick Derzis told reporters Friday night that detectives are following up on leads, and making progress with the investigation.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Hoover police at (205) 822-5300 or Crimestoppers at (205) 254-7777.
Photo: WBRC Fox 6 News