Man Charged in Asbury Park Shooting of Girl

Attempted murder charges have been filed against a gunman who allegedly opened fire outside a central New Jersey home last month, hitting an 11-year-old girl in the face as she cleaned her room.

Twenty-three-year-old Tyree Kirkpatrick also faces aggravated assault and weapons charges in the Feb. 20 shooting in Asbury Park. He previously was charged with obstruction of justice.

The girl, whose name hasn’t been disclosed, was hospitalized in critical condition for several days after the shooting. But authorities say she’s making good progress and should make a full recovery.

It’s not yet known what sparked the shooting. Authorities have said another person inside the home was the shooter’s intended target, but further details weren’t disclosed.

Kirkpatrick’s being held on $800,000 bail. It’s not known if he’s retained a lawyer.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)