In a tragic incident that has shocked the Liberty Township community, a grandmother has been charged with the shooting of her six-month-old granddaughter. On December 9, 2023, a frantic 911 call was placed by the infant’s mother, who reported that her child had been shot in the head. The call, characterized by desperation, revealed that the shooter was the baby’s grandmother, 43-year-old Mia Harris.
After the shooting, Harris fled the scene, driving the wrong way on Interstate 75 while failing to stop for police. She was eventually apprehended and taken into custody without further incident. Meanwhile, the infant, Myra, was rushed to a local hospital and then airlifted to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital due to the severity of her injuries. She was reported to be in critical condition.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that prior to the shooting, Harris had exhibited signs of severe mental distress, including hallucinations and erratic behavior. The victim’s mother noted that Harris had been acting irrationally for weeks leading up to the incident. Additionally, it was disclosed that Harris had previously attempted to shoot her own mother, missing her target but causing a bullet to penetrate the wall of their apartment.
As Myra fought for her life, enduring multiple surgeries and a prolonged hospital stay of 65 days, her family and community remained hopeful for her recovery. Remarkably, she eventually attended her grandmother’s trial, where doctors expressed astonishment at her survival given the nature of her injuries.
In January 2024, Harris entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity; however, she later changed her plea. By September of the same year, she pleaded guilty to felonious assault. On October 29, 2024, she was sentenced to a prison term of 9 to 12 years for her actions, bringing a measure of justice to the distressing case.
The incident has raised significant concerns about mental health issues and family dynamics, prompting discussions within the community about the need for better support systems for individuals experiencing psychological crises. As the family continues to navigate the aftermath of this tragic event, the focus remains on the recovery of young Myra and the impact of this incident on all those involved.