LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- A family gathering at Debaillon Park ended in tragedy when gunfire erupted, resulting in six-year-old Ryliee Watson being shot.
The incident occurred during a balloon release to honor a Ryliee's uncle, Philip Francis, and quickly descended into chaos as shots rang out, striking Ryliee while she played on the playground.
"I was like 'y'all get the kids, let's go, y'all let's go.' Everybody running. I remember Ryliee running too like all the kid running," said Jexada Francis, Ryliee's mother.
Ryliee spent two weeks in the hospital on life support after the shooting, never breathing on her own again, according to her mother.
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"Heartbreaking. Just seeing everything on my child. Never breathe one tim