Phenix City Shooting: 4-Year-Old Girl Wounded, Suspect in Custody
PHENIX CITY, Ala. — A 4-year-old girl was critically injured in a shooting inside her apartment on Sunday while she was asleep. The incident occurred at the Whispering Pines Apartments, located on the 1200 block of 12th Street.
According to Lt. Kristina Anglin, officers arrived at the scene to find the child wounded. Officials have not released details about her current condition.
Police identified the suspect as 25-year-old Youhan Jones Jr., who is reportedly dating the child’s mother. Jones was taken into custody on Monday and faces five counts of attempted murder and one count of shooting into an occupied dwelling. Court records indicate he was already awaiting trial on a separate shooting into an occupied dwelling charge from 2022.
Four other people were present in the apartment at the time of the shooting, including two other children, none of whom were injured. Additionally, two individuals, including the child’s mother, Stephanie Ward, and her friend Vantasia Mayes, have been charged with first-degree hindering prosecution for allegedly attempting to help Jones evade arrest.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward. The community has been left shaken by this violent incident, particularly given the involvement of a young child as a victim.
This case highlights serious concerns about domestic violence and the dangers of firearms in homes with children, prompting calls for vigilance and support for affected families.








