Dad Fatally Shoots Teen Daughter He Mistakes for Intruder

A 16-year-old Ohio high school junior was shot and killed early Wednesday when her father mistook her for an intruder.

Columbus police said they were called at about 4:30 a.m. by Janae Hairston’s mother, who said the girl’s father thought someone was breaking into the house when their security system was activated.

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the father can be heard in the background of the call, asking what Hairston was doing and begging for her to wake up.

Police arrived five minutes after the call was made, and Hairston was rushed to Mount Carmel East Hospital. She died about an hour later, the newspaper said.

Hairston was a student at Canal Winchester High School, and the school district said it would have counselors available when classes resume next week.

The Dispatch said that Hairston’s social media profile featured several selfies and smiling photographs, along with posts about getting a job and deciding where to go for college.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast