10-Year Old Girl Shot & Killed in Montgomery County

CRAWFORDSVILLE (WISH) - The Montgomery County Coroner is investigating the death of Savannah C. Ross, Crawfordsville, age 10.

According to police, 27 year old Steven Bixler, shot and killed his girlfriend's 10 year old daughter. Bixler's siblings say the shooting was accidental.

Police say Bixler was in a room with four children when the rifle he was carrying fired. A bullet hit the 10 year old girl in the abdomen.  Police say after the shooting, Steven Bixler and his girlfriend drove the girl a short distance to St. Clare's Hospital where she later died.

"She was an outgoing child, she had fun. She did good in school. She liked to sing, she liked to dance" said Ashley Bixler.

The Crawfordsville Police Department is investigating the case. Officers arrested Steven Bixler on preliminary charges of reckless homicide, criminal recklessness, and pointing a firearm. He was released from the Montgomery County Jail after posting bond.

An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

Police are reviewing the case with the prosecutor’s office to determine if Bixler should face additional charges.