Eric Anthony Brown, of Calumet City, was charged Thursday with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of Ashaya Miller and aggravated battery in the wounding of a 19-year-old man. he pleaded not guilty Friday. The judge set bail at $10 million.
Miller was visiting her aunt's house in Calumet City. Her cousin was shot in the elbow.
Calumet City Police Chief Edward Gilmore says Miller, of Hammond, and her cousin were in the kitchen of a home when someone came into the gangway and fired shots into a window. The girl was wounded several times and later died at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Police said the girl wasn't the intended target. Prosecutors say the shooting was gang related.
"It is a sad and tragic occurrence that this young lady had to lose her life for what appears to be no reason," said Gilmore.
Miller's family held a vigil Friday night in her honor.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
