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Hundreds Gather For Funeral Of Girl, 6, Killed Outside Moreno Valley Party

LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — A 6-year-old girl killed in an apparent gang-related shooting at a family party in Moreno Valley last weekend was laid to rest Saturday.

Hundreds gathered outside a Long Beach church for the memorial service of Tiana Ricks, who was shot Sept. 7 in the driveway of the home where she was attending a party with her father.

Her family called Saturday's service a 'home-going' celebration, handing out programs with photographs of Tiana to remind those present of happier times.

"She was just so sweet and so smart, and she suffered no fools," said Netta Parrish, a family friend. "Her grandfather insisted that it be a celebration, and that's what's going on."

Tyrell Ricks Jr., 26, and his daughter had just arrived at a family member's going-away party when two men pulled up in a black car, got out and came into the home's driveway.

The suspects exchanged words with someone at the get-together and then opened fire.

Tiana was struck in her shoulder. The bullet then went through her and hit her father in the leg.

Relatives said Tiana asked if her father was okay before gasping for breath and losing consciousness. She succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.

The 6-year-old's tragic death captured the hearts of the community, as well as rapper Snoop Lion, who donated to Tiana's funeral fund through his foundation "No Guns Allowed."

Rapper The Game also donated $10,000 to help pay for funeral expenses and attended Saturday's service to pay his respects.

Many others who attended the service also never met Tiana. Family and friends in attendance said the next step is justice.

"Just give us justice," said a friend. "Just turn yourself in, you know what you did. Just turn yourself in."

RELATED STORIES:

6-Year-Old Girl Gunned Down, Father Hurt Outside Family Party

Authorities Believe Shooting That Left Girl, 6, Dead Could Be Gang-Related

Rapper The Game Donates $10K To Funeral Of Girl Killed Outside Moreno Valley Party

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