12-year-old girl shot in head by stray bullet while in Hempstead home

HEMPSTEAD (WABC) -- A 12-year-old girl is in grave condition after being shot in the head by a stray bullet while she was in her home in Hempstead on Friday night.

David Joyner, fighting back tears, and visibly upset, says he is only thinking of his beautiful granddaughter who is fighting for her life.

"Beautiful girl, a beautiful personality. I don't know anything right now - I haven't heard anything," says Joyner.

Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators rushed to the scene and filled Dartmouth Street looking for answers to find the person who may have fired a shot.

"It's a single shot, we've determined that came from the street in front of that location," says Det. Seg. James Skopek.

Police say there was no commotion out in front of the house, but suddenly the shot was fired.

"It enters through a front plate glass window, enters through that window and strikes the girl where she was standing," Skopek adds.

Police say the girl, who has not yet been identified, was shot in the head, and was rushed to the hospital where she is said to be in grave condition. Residents who describe the area as a normally quiet Hempstead neighborhood are understandably upset by the unexplained shooting.

"It's devastating because it's a young 12-year-old," says area resident Reggis Lupis.

"The guns is what I am concerned about that seem to be so much on the streets," says Barbara Borum of the Hempstead Coordinating Council.

Police say it is too early to tell if it was a drive-by shooting, or if the family was targeted. No suspects are currently in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.

Police are asking anyone with information to call CrimeStoppers at 1800-244-TIPS