Gang member accused of killing 6-year-old girl due in court

A documented gang member accused of fatally shooting a 6-year-old girl in Moreno Valley is due to appear in court Friday for a preliminary hearing, prosecutors said.

Keandre Narkie Johnson, 21, has been charged with one count each of murder, attempted murder and participation in a criminal street gang, along with special circumstance allegations. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Johnson is due to appear at the Riverside Hall of Justice at 8:30 a.m.

Prosecutors allege it was Johnson who opened fire Sept. 7 on a group of people gathered near a garage at a Moreno Valley home, striking 6-year-old Tiana Ricks and her 26-year-old father. Both were taken to the hospital, where the girl was pronounced dead.

Investigators received “numerous tips” that ultimately led them to identify Johnson as their suspect, Riverside County prosecutors said in a statement Thursday. He was arrested 10 days after the shooting.

Authorities said Johnson is a documented member of the Moreno Valley-based Edgemont Criminals. He was also considered a parolee-at-large for not reporting to his parole officer in connection with a 2011 Riverside County burglary conviction.

He is being held without bail at a Riverside County detention center.

Tiana’s death drew attention from rappers The Game and Snoop Lion, who both contributed funds toward the girl’s funeral. The Game, who is from Compton, pledged $10,000, his representative confirmed.

Long Beach rapper-turned-reggae artist Snoop Lion (formerly known as Snoop Dogg) donated an undisclosed amount.

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