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Police: LI Man Arrested In Fatal Shooting Of 12-Year-Old Girl

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Nassau County police have made an arrest in connection to the death of a 12-year-old girl who was hit by a stray bullet while in her Hempstead home in October 2015.

Jakwan Keller, 20, of Hempstead, was arrested after being found operating a 2013 BMW on the corner of Laurel Avenue and Linden Avenue at around 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning, police said.

Dejah Joyner, 12, of Hempstead, was hit in the head by a stray bullet that was shot into her home on Dartmouth Street on October 16, 2015. She was transported to a local hospital, and was pronounced dead the next day.  

Hempstead Mayor Wayne Hall said the police were helped by residents who called in with tips, WCBS 880's Stephanie Colombini reported.

"When they saw something they said something so I just hope they keep doing that," Hall said.

Joyner's grandmother told 1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria that Dejah was like an angel, who took care of her every day, and that she can sleep easier now knowing that an arrest has been made in connection to the case. 

The family has since moved out of the home where Joyner was shot, CBS2 reported.

Police said Dejah was not the intended target and that the shot likely happened during a gang-related argument or drive-by shooting.

Keller is charged with murder in the 2nd degree, criminal use of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree, police said. He will be arraigned in Hempstead  First District Court on Jan. 11.

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