LITTLE ELM, Texas — Charles Grant feels like most fathers would when their child is hurt. He feels guilty for not being there to protect his daughter when shots rang out at a birthday party in Little Elm.
According to the Little Elm Police Department, officers arrived to a large party in the 2700 block of Sunlight Drive at 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 21. The shooting injured two people, including Grant's daughter and resulted in the death of 17-year-old Keith Slaughter.
"Really, that's the question is, why? Why did you do this?" posed Grant to the gunman -- who has yet to be arrested or turn themselves in.
His daughter, Jaleigha Grant, 15, is in critical condition at a local area hospital. The family told WFAA that she was shot once in the stomach.
"My 15-year-old niece should be able to go to a house party and come home to her father," her aunt, Yolanda Grant said.
"And you're playing with people's lives like it's a game. It's not a game," Grant said. "We need change. We need gun law change."
Jaleigha and the Grants are from Flatonia, Texas. A five-hour drive from Little Elm. Jaleigha comes to North Texas often to see her best friend. The family told WFAA she loves sports, loves making jokes and is always smiling.
"She's a kid. She's just a kid," said Yolanda Grant.
No arrests have been made. Little Elm is asking for any help. Five people can be seen on camera walking and running away from the home and police have identified them as persons of interest.
"You the man to pack the gun, be a man to turn yourself in. That's it!" said Grant.
Jaleigha is fighting for her life. There are as many questions about her health as there are in the investigation.
And that's no easier on a family already so far from home. Friends of the family have organized a GoFundMe page to help the family with unexpected expenses. Click here if you would like to donate.