Death of girl after police gunfire creates change in Sharon Hill and beyond

SHARON HILL, Pa. (WPVI) -- It's been four years since 8-year-old Fanta Bility was killed when police fired into a crowd after a football game at Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill.

In the time since her loss, Fanta's family has leaned on faith and created change. They gathered at the site of the tragedy on the fourth anniversary of Fanta's death.

"We're still grieving every single day," said Siddiq Kamara, Fanta's older cousin.

He stood with Fanta's mother and supportive community members in front of the Academy Park High School football stadium as they spoke of the little girl.

"Fanta, she took her last breath over there in my aunt's arms," he said.

Tenneh Kromah has spent the past four years grieving and, now, thanking those who have supported her family.

"I appreciate everything you're doing for me and my family," said Kromah.

A lot has changed since that fatal moment in 2021. Fanta was shot as three police officers fired into a crowd after hearing gunshots in the vicinity. Her death immediately led to calls for justice.

"That should have never happened," he said.

Kamara has led the family's efforts to push for change, and it's happening. Last year, Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced Fanta's Law, which is legislation that would create mandatory training for officers in Delaware County.

"It's getting support from both sides and our law enforcement in the commonwealth," said Kamara.

Kamara, who spent six years in the Army, is a former Delaware County police officer and a former employee of the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. Kamara is seeking to be part of the change by running for sheriff in Delaware County.

"To make sure this never happens to our community again, I'm running for office," he said.

Fanta, who would have been in 7th grade this year, has also changed policies in her hometown of Sharon Hill.

"We have changed our policy as it relates to de-escalation and use of force," said Sharon Hill Borough Council President Tanya Allen. "We have increased the number of trainings the officers are required to do, just around diversity and engagement with communities."

Community connection is now emphasized even more in the borough.

"You might see Sharon Hill officers any day you're driving, they'll be out playing with the kids," said Allen.

Fanta's generous heart also inspired a nonprofit that bears her name: the Fanta Bility Foundation.

"Just last Sunday, we gave out over 200 book bags," Kamara said of the organization's philanthropic focus as inspired by Fanta.

The tragedy has gone from being one family's heartbreak to an entire community's hope, and it all started with one little girl.

"We will never forget about Fanta," said Kamara.

Fanta's family reached an $11 million settlement with the borough of Sharon Hill as part of a civil lawsuit. The three police officers were all fired from the Sharon Hill Police Department. They all pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and were sentenced to probation.

Meanwhile, lawmakers are drumming up support for Fanta's Law. They hope to introduce it in committee this fall.