17-year-old jailed on murder charge after girl shot to death in Fort Lauderdale: cops
Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy who’s accused of fatally shooting a teenage girl in Broward County last week.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Fugitive Unit found the teen Monday. He was arrested on first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder charges.
Police say he shot 16-year-old Tanaejah Atterbury last Monday around 7:25 p.m. at 1592 NW 8th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Witnesses told Miami Herald news partner CBS Miami that the shooting happened during a fight between a group of girls. Her family said Tanaejah was standing near the group, but was not involved and was shot when a boy stepped into the fray and started shooting.
“The dudes jumped in it and it had nothing to do with her. She was just standing out there. She was an innocent bystander,” her aunt, Shanell Heller, told the news station.
Liening said the 17-year-old, who the Herald is not naming due to his age, was taken to the Broward County Juvenile Assessment Center.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact us immediately,” Liening said
The Broward County State Attorney’s Office said it is too early to determine if the teen will be charged as an adult.
“Prosecutors will review all of the facts, evidence and circumstances before making any formal filing decisions,” said Paula McMahon, a spokeswoman for the State Attorney’s Office.
In a GoFundMe Tanaejah’s family set up to help raise money for her funeral expenses, she is described as “outgoing, loving, and deeply connected to her family.”
“She was a 9th-grader with her whole future ahead of her, and she loved playing flag football,” the post reads.
This story was originally published February 25, 2025 at 1:20 PM.
