Parents of slain 9-year-old call for justice after deadly Flint shooting

FLINT, Mich. — The parents of Tyhari Knox, the 9-year-old girl struck and killed by gunfire, spoke out May 15, 2026, during a press conference held by Flint City Councilwoman Tonya Burns.

Knox was killed in a drive-by shooting in the 2500 block of Altoona Street in Flint on May 8 around 2 a.m. Her 12-year-old sister, Allyson Galloway, was also wounded in the gunfire.

During the press conference, Burns called on the community to rally around the family with support and prayers while urging that those responsible be brought to justice.

“We’re asking for the community, we’re asking for the nation to stand with this family in this time of grief and uncertainty,” Burns said.

Knox’s mother, Alexis Smith, made a tearful plea for the perpetrators to turn themselves in to authorities.

“My baby, she did not deserve this at all. Come forward, turn yourself in. My baby deserves justice. She was innocent,” Smith said.

Flint Police Chief Terence Green said he was pleased with the progression of the investigation and is confident that an arrest will be made.

“This investigation is of utmost importance is number one priority for this department at this time,” Green said. Everything else is on the back shelf until we find those responsible, and we have them in handcuffs sitting in a jail cell.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Det. Perry at 810-237-6915. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers or by calling 1-800-JAIL.