Evanston police arrest juvenile in shooting of 13-year-old girl at backyard party

EVANSTON, Ill. - Evanston police have made an arrest in the shooting of a 13-year-old girl last month that left her critically wounded.

The girl was at a gathering on July 25 in the backyard of a residence in the 1300 block of Fowler Avenue when a gunman fired shots at her and a group of juveniles from over a fence, police said.

She was shot in the neck and transported by the Evanston Fire Department to AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital, then subsequently transferred to Lurie Children’s Hospital where she was listed in critical condition.

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Police said another person at the party was the intended target.

The 17-year-old boy, whose name was not released because of his age, was arrested on Aug. 11. He was charged as an adult with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery. He lives in Sauk Village.

According to a GoFundMe page started by the party host, the girl remained on life support as of Aug. 10 but was out of a coma.

"Her family and friends are devastated as she fights for her life," the host wrote. "Everyone is praying for her recovery and are optimistic."

The host said she decided to have a small party for her daughter’s 14th birthday. "The kids were excited about the cake’s design, seafood boil-up, yard game, and what music they would play from their playlists.

"Within less than 20 minutes, an unknown, uninvited person opened gunfire over a fence into my backyard … Multiple shots," she posted.

Just days ago, the victim turned 14 years old.

The GoFundMe has raised over $22,000.

Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.