Update | ‘Dabba’ charged for Manchester gun attack that left 4-y-o girl dead and father injured

Twenty-five-year-old Oneish Copeland, otherwise called ‘Dabba’, of the New Wales district in Manchester, has been charged by police in connection with the gun attack that left a four-year-old girl dead and her father injured.

Copeland, a labourer, is charged with murder, conspiracy to murder, wounding with intent, two counts of shooting with intent, malicious destruction of property, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition, and using a firearm to commit a felony.

His court date is being arranged.

Killed in the attack, which occurred in Land Settlement, Williamsfield, Manchester, on Sunday, February 8, was four-year-old Saniyah O’Brien.

According to police reports, about 4:30 p.m., O’Brien was among passengers seated in a Toyota Voxy motor car when a Toyota Axio drove up and Copeland exited the vehicle.

He reportedly opened fire, striking Saniyah and her father before escaping in the waiting vehicle.

The police were alerted and, upon their arrival, the child and her father were taken to hospital, where Saniyah’s death was confirmed.

Following the incident, an intensive investigation was launched.

On Friday, February 13, Copeland was arrested during an intelligence-led operation and was later charged following a question-and-answer session conducted in the presence of his attorney.

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