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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