ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — The 19-year-old man accused of shooting and killing 6-year-old Isis Allen was ordered Wednesday to stand trial.
Kamau Thomas’ hearing was moved to a special courtroom on the second floor with extra security. Channel 11’s Courtney Brennan reported that the girl’s father seemed upset and agitated, leaving the courtroom several times during testimony.
Defense attorney Blaine Jones said his client, Thomas, never meant to kill anyone.
Authorities said Thomas was on Sarah Street in Knoxville the night of July 17 to act as "security" for a girl fight. Prosecutors said Thomas spotted a man who allegedly had a gun and threatened him.
"That gentleman had threatened my client in the past and was threatening him that night as well,” Jones said.
Police said Thomas told investigators he got a gun and fired it toward the house where the man was, intending to scare him. The gun, though, went off several times and hit Isis in the head as she played in the front yard.
"I think it's a nightmare for the entire community,” Jones said.
All five charges filed against Thomas were held for court.