Muhammad's life was cut short on Saturday about 12:30 a.m. According to police, Muhammad was visiting a girlfriend on Rugby Street near Johnson when she decided to walk her friend to a nearby bus stop. The two were approached by a group of young men who were trying to strike up a conversation with them, said Capt. James Clark.
As they approached Rugby and Cliveden streets, Malik Carter, 18, of the 7900 block of Temple Road, allegedly fired nine shots at the group, one of which struck Muhammad in the chest. She was taken to Albert Einstein Medical Center and pronounced dead at 1 a.m., police said.
Homicide investigators said that Carter surrendered yesterday, shortly after he was identified as Muhammad's alleged killer. Police said Carter had an ongoing dispute with one of the men walking with Muhammad.
"She was protecting her friend by walking her to the bus stop," said Muhammad's father, Salaam Love Muhammad. "She would go anywhere at any time. She was obedient but she was fearless."
Muhammad was the youngest of four girls.
"She was the life blood of our family," said Butler, a science teacher at New Media of Technology Charter School. "She just loved life. I don't think she would have any regrets."
Emotions swelled as hundreds gathered in front of Central High School for a vigil last night.
Her parents were among the crowd when dozens of the mourners lit candles and lighters and held them aloft. Her father cried out, "Long live Shakuwrah!"
Steven Jones, 16, a Central sophomore, said Shakuwrah was "a real fun person to be around. You could talk to her about anything. She always knew what to say."
