Moms of 2 girls shot in Brooklyn park speak out: 'I'm devastated'

BROWNSVILLE, Brooklyn (PIX11) -- The mothers of two children shot at a Brooklyn park Monday night said their kids are inseparable. They never thought the girls would become victims of gun violence together.

The shooting happened at a Brownsville park at the corner of Dean and Thomas S. Boyland streets around 9:20 p.m. Two gunmen allegedly opened fire from the street into the park and hit the two girls, who were not the intended targets, authorities said.

Nine-year-old Ruanna was shot in her leg. Her 11-year-old cousin Empress was shot in the back.

"My heart fell out of my chest to hear my daughter was shot. I said, 'Lord, take my life and not hers,'" said Melissa Alexander, Ruanna's mother.

The 9-year-old could not sleep after the shooting.

"I'm devastated. I'm hurt. I cried all night, all morning. I just want my baby to be safe," Melissa said.

Michelle Alexander is Melissa’s sister. She was in the park with both girls at the time of the shooting and said she thought the sound of gunfire was firecrackers at first.

"It was honestly an out-of-body experience for me. Time stopped for me," Michelle said.

Both mothers sent strong messages to the gunmen.

"You guys are ruining lives. We want justice. Own up to what you did and face your judgement," Michelle said.

Melissa echoed her sister's message.

"Get a life. There are so much more constructive things you can do with yourself. You are putting people's lives in danger, innocent children," Melissa said.

Police said they’re not ruling out that the shooting could be gang-related. No arrests have been made.