12:40 p.m. TUESDAY UPDATE: Juvenile authorities have petitioned the court to charge three juveniles allegedly connected to the shooting death of a teenage girl in a Hillsboro-area home, Chief Juvenile Officer Melissa Perris announced today, July 14.
Perris said the Jefferson County Juvenile Office is seeking charges of involuntary manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse against one juvenile. Two other juveniles are being charged with abandonment of a corpse.
She said the juvenile being charged with involuntary manslaughter was still detained at the Juvenile Detention Center as of noon today.
Gabbriana Boyster, 16, was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the head on July 11 at her home in the 7900 block of Tower Road north of Hillsboro.
“While the victim was discovered Saturday afternoon (July 11), investigators believe the shooting took place Friday evening (July 10), and the victim’s body was abandoned for hours,” Sheriff Dave Marshak said in a statement released Monday, July 13.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that the three juveniles were believed to be at the home when Boyster was shot. The juveniles were turned over to the Jefferson County Juvenile Office. Perris did not release the ages of the juveniles being charged.
Boyster was an incoming junior at Hillsboro High School. The Hillsboro R-3 School District said in a statement on Monday that the district would offer grief counseling to those who knew Boyster or who were impacted by the shooting.
“Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends and everyone impacted by this unimaginable loss,” Superintendent Jon Isaacson said. “While words cannot take away the pain of this tragedy, we want our students, staff and families to know they are not alone. We are committed to providing support and care for everyone who is grieving during this difficult time.”
For information about counseling, contact the Hillsboro R-3 Central Office at 636-789-0060.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral costs. As of July 14, it has raised more than $15,000 of its $18,000 goal.
Boyster’s cousin, Alicia G’Sell, of Hillsboro organized the fundraiser.
“At just 16 years old, Gabby’s life was taken far too soon in a senseless tragedy,” she said. “No Momma should ever have to experience the pain of planning a funeral for a child, especially one whose future was filled with so much promise. Gabby was the kind of person who would always make you smile. She was beautiful inside and out, full of laughter, endless giggles, and a smile that made everyone around her feel at home. She loved deeply, cared fiercely, and brought joy everywhere she went. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend who was cherished beyond words. As our family navigates this overwhelming tragedy, we are asking for help to give Gabby the beautiful service she deserves and to ease the financial burden that comes with such an unexpected loss.”
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/a-loving-tribute-to-gabbys-memory.
10 a.m. TUESDAY UPDATE: The Hillsboro R-3 School District said in a statement on Monday that the district would offer grief counseling to those who knew Boyster or who were impacted by the shooting.
According to the statement, Boyster was an incoming junior at Hillsboro High School.
“Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, and everyone impacted by this unimaginable loss,” Superintendent Jon Isaacson said. “While words cannot take away the pain of this tragedy, we want our students, staff and families to know they are not alone. We are committed to providing support and care for everyone who is grieving during this difficult time.”
For information about counseling, contact the Hillsboro R-3 Central Office at 636-789-0060.
ORIGINAL STORY: Three juveniles have been arrested after a teenage girl was found shot to death at a home in the 7900 block of Tower Road north of Hillsboro, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported.
Gabbriana Boyster, 16, was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the head on July 11 at the home. Boyster lived at the house, the Sheriff’s Office reported.
“While the victim was discovered Saturday afternoon (July 11), investigators believe the shooting took place Friday evening (July 10), and the victim’s body was abandoned for hours,” Sheriff Dave Marshak said in a statement released today, July 13.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that the three juveniles were believed to be at the home when Boyster was shot. The juveniles were turned over to the Jefferson County Juvenile Office, according to the Sheriff’s Office statement
The statement said juvenile officials are reviewing the case and considering charges.