Stepfather of Latest Homicide Victim Speaks Out

4:27 AM, Oct 4, 2010   |    comments
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BUFFALO, N.Y. - The stepfather of 15 year old Dominique Maye is speaking out as police say the young teen was not the intended target in Thursday night's shooting. Brian Stiles says he is coping as best they can since the loss of their bright young daughter.

Maye was killed inside her aunt's Hewitt Street home when a gunman used a high-powered assault rifle to fire multiple rounds into the home. A memorial now stands outside of the home. Stiles and Maye's mother placed flowers and teddy bears in memory of their young daughter.

"Dominique was a wonderful person. Okay, I mean if you knew Dominique you loved her, and if you didn't know her you couldn't hate her because she never did anything to anybody."

Stiles described his step-daughter as a typical teenager and well-rounded student.

"She loved school. Her whole life was school, basketball, track, athletics, doing things around the house with her mom. We spend the weekend with her every weekend."

Police say Maye was sitting in front of a computer in the living room when the shooting happened. She was hit in the back, and died from her injury. University District Common Council Member Bonnie Russell says senseless violence like this breaks her heart. 

"She's just minding her own business, an innocent bystander, and she's a young girl and my heart really goes out to the family."

Even as the investigation continues,  family members say they can't believe such a promising young girl was caught in the crossfire of someone else's anger.

"She was a bright young girl with a bright future ahead of her. Always made people laugh, always made people smile and like I say, if you knew her, you loved her."

So far there's no word yet as far as funeral plans for Maye. Buffalo Police are asking anyone with information to call the confidential tipline at: 716-847-2255. You can also text a tip to the same phone number.











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