Two arrested in shooting of Minneapolis girl

Lt. Amelia Huffman wouldn't say what role the youths - a 16-year-old and 17-year-old - might have played in the shooting, which was believed to be gang-related.

Vernice Hall, who remained in critical condition Monday, was shot in the head early Saturday as she sat on the front step of her north Minneapolis home.

She has not regained consciousness and her father, Steve Hall, said part of her skull had to be removed because of brain swelling and bleeding.

"They tell me to prepare for the worst," he said. "I pray every night. I pray to God every night."

Hall said he was having a party for his children and their friends on Friday night, and about 45 people attended. There were no squabbles, he said, but shortly after the party ended around midnight he heard four gun shots ring out.

"I seen my baby lying on the ground," he said as tears formed in his eyes. "Our hearts are just ... I'm angry and I'm trying to be understanding, man."

Authorities said Vernice was an innocent victim.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)