Family members of Fanta Bility, the young girl accidentally shot to death by police while leaving a football game in 2021, marked the third anniversary of her tragic passing this week by giving away backpacks and school supplies in preparation for the new school year.
The Fanta Bility Foundation handed out 300 backpacks filled with pens, pencils, folders, notebooks, markers, and a pencil case on Sunday at Sharon Hill Elementary School in Sharon Hill. Pretzels and ice water were also given away to those who attended.
The giveaway was held across the street from the Academy Park Football field where the eight-year-old was killed as she left with her family. Bility’s sister was wounded but survived.
Police said Officers Brian Devaney, Sean Dolan, and Devon Smith started shooting at a nearby vehicle after hearing gunshots. It turns out the shots were fired from a block away. The department fired the trio in 2022. They received probation and house arrest last year after pleading guilty to reckless endangerment.
The Bility family settled with Sharon Hill for $11 million last September. A family spokesperson said at the time that they wanted to “move on and focus specifically on the Family Bility Foundation and to keep Fanta’s legacy alive.”
They see the community book bag and school supply giveaway as a way to keep Fanta Bility’s name alive and give back to the community.
Those attending the event included Bility’s mother, Tenneh Kromah, along with siblings and extended family members. Bility Foundation President Siddiq Kamara, community members, school leaders, and volunteers were also on hand.
