A Missouri teen was shot dead while hanging out with her friends, who are accused of not reporting the killing before her mother made the horrifying discovery inside their home.
Gabbriana Boyster, 16, was allegedly struck in the head in a Hillsboro, Missouri, home Friday night — with her body not being found by her mom, Candy G’Sell, until the following afternoon, KDSK reported.
“I walked in the room and she was laying there… sitting up,” the grieving mother told the outlet.
G’Sell immediately called 911, but by the time paramedics arrived, her daughter had already been dead for hours.
Investigators with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Boyster was shot Friday evening, and her body remained inside the home “for hours” until her mother made the devastating discovery, according to the outlet.
Police did not disclose what led to the fatal shooting or who owned the weapon.
Three boys were at Boyster’s home at the time of the shooting, investigators suspect, and one has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon resulting in death, armed criminal action, and abandonment of a corpse.
The two other juveniles were released from custody following charges of abandonment of a corpse.
The identities of all three minors are being withheld by authorities due to their ages.
G’Sell said the three boys were friends with her daughter.
“It’s not fair. My daughter was sweet and innocent and kind. And she loved her friends… for them, her friends, to just leave her…” the grief-stricken mother said.
“There’s no relief. My baby is gone. What mother wants to bury their baby?”
Gabby, as she was known to loved ones, was an incoming junior at Hillsboro High School with dreams of becoming an ultrasound technician after graduation.
The district’s superintendent, Dr. Jon Isaacson, released a statement Tuesday saying that “Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, and everyone impacted by this unimaginable loss,” KMOV reported.
“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.”
Boyster, the youngest of three siblings, “brought warmth and laughter to those fortunate enough to know her,” according to an online obituary.
“Although she could be quiet at first, once she opened up, her vibrant personality and gift for conversation quickly shined through,” the obituary read.
“Her kind heart, playful spirit, and the joy she brought to others will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.”