FUNERAL HELD IN MEMPHIS FOR SLAIN 3-YEAR-OLD

MEMPHIS, Tenn.- More than 350 people attended the funeral Thursday for
3-year-old Jessica Borner, shot in her home last week after a drug deal
soured nearby.

Highland Heights Baptist Church was packed with family members, police
officers, children and people concerned over such violence. Many wept.

"As sad an occasion as this is, there is victory in this," said Rev. Ben
Wilkins of Highland Heights. "God will use it to make the community change."

Jessica was the fourth Memphis child to be killed or wounded by gunfire
meant for someone else since April.

The shooting prompted elected and criminal justice officials, along with
community leaders, to search for ways to end the violence.

Two people have been charged in her death and a third is being sought.
Eight others in the house were wounded.

Rev. Ivy Hudson of St. John AME Church said some may not understand why the
funeral was called a celebration.

"When you know someone has been lifted above the troubles of the world,
it's celebration time," Hudson said.

Jessica was killed after a group of young men argued over a drug deal about
a block from her house. One of the men broke from the argument and ran to
the child's residence. He was chased by car, and at least one of his
pursuers opened fire on the house with a high-powered rifle.