In a heart-wrenching case that has shocked the local community and drawn widespread outrage, an Oakland County man who shot and killed an 8-year-old girl for “talking back to him” has been sentenced to a minimum of 42 years in prison. On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Judge Lisa Langston handed down a sentence of 40 to 60 years for first-degree murder, plus an additional two years for felony firearm, to 35-year-old Anthony Stribling.

The victim, Bailei, was just eight years old when she was shot in the head inside the living room of her family’s home in January 2021. According to police and court records, the incident occurred during a domestic dispute. Stribling, who was dating Bailei’s mother at the time and had been living in the home, reportedly became enraged after the young girl “talked back” to him. In a fit of rage, he retrieved a firearm and shot her at point-blank range.

Bailei was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries four days later, leaving her family devastated and a community grieving the loss of a vibrant young life full of promise.

Following the shooting, Stribling initially tried to mislead investigators by fabricating a story that Bailei had been caught in the crossfire of an attempted home robbery. However, the inconsistencies in his account, along with forensic evidence and witness testimony, quickly unraveled the lie. Within days, Stribling was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm. He was denied bond and held in custody throughout the legal proceedings.

During the trial, prosecutors painted a chilling picture of Stribling’s behavior, describing him as volatile and prone to violence. They emphasized that Bailei posed no threat and that her only “offense” was standing up for herself. “This was not an accident. This was not a moment of confusion. This was a cold, calculated act of violence against a defenseless child,” said lead prosecutor Angela Morris during closing arguments.

Bailei’s mother, who sat through the emotionally wrenching trial, gave a tearful victim impact statement during sentencing. “No child should ever die for using their voice,” she said. “Bailei was bright, sassy, and full of life. She loved school, dancing, and making people laugh. She should be here today. Instead, I have to visit her at a cemetery.”

Judge Langston, in her sentencing remarks, condemned the senselessness of the crime and noted the lasting impact it would have on Bailei’s family and the wider community. “This court finds no justification—none—for what you did,” she told Stribling. “You extinguished a young life for the pettiest of reasons. And now, you will be held accountable.”

Stribling remained mostly silent during sentencing and showed little emotion as the punishment was announced. His defense attorney, Mark Deveraux, attempted to argue for leniency, citing a troubled upbringing and mental health issues, but the judge remained unswayed. “You chose violence. And now you will live with that choice,” she said.

With the addition of the mandatory two-year sentence for the felony firearm conviction, Stribling will serve at least 42 years before becoming eligible for parole. By then, he will be in his late 70s.

The case has reignited conversations around gun safety, domestic violence, and child protection. Several community organizations have pledged to push for stronger legislative measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. A scholarship fund has also been established in Bailei’s name to support young girls pursuing education and leadership roles.

As the courtroom emptied and the sentence was finalized, there was a sense of justice, but no closure. “This sentence won’t bring Bailei back,” her mother said. “But I hope it sends a message that children deserve to be safe, to be heard, and most of all, to be alive.”