Inset: Gabbriana “Gabby” Boyster (Facebook). Background: News footage of the Hillsboro, Mo., neighborhood where Gabby Boyster was found deceased (KMOV).
Tragedy has struck a Missouri community as a young life was abruptly ended. Authorities report that a teenage girl was fatally shot by one of her own companions, leaving her grieving mother to make the harrowing discovery.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office revealed details surrounding the heartbreak. Gabbriana “Gabby” Boyster, a 16-year-old vibrant soul, was found dead by her mother in her own home on a somber Saturday afternoon, the victim of a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities believe the tragic incident occurred the night before. As the investigation deepens, three teenage boys have been taken into custody, although their identities remain shielded due to their youth. Local news outlet KSDK reported that each of the suspects is male.
In conversations with KSDK, Gabby’s mother, Candy G’Sell, expressed the depth of her anguish. All of the boys involved, she mentioned, were considered friends by her daughter.
G’Sell shared with KSDK that she wasn’t home at the time, as Gabby was spending time with her friends. Her last communication with Gabby occurred on Friday night. Upon returning home the next afternoon, she discovered the tragic scene in Gabby’s bedroom. Her daughter was found sitting up, prompting an immediate call to 911. Sadly, Gabby was pronounced dead at the site.
Police said in a press release that they identified three juvenile suspects who had been with Gabby on the night she died. All three were charged with abandonment of a corpse. One juvenile suspect was also charged with involuntary manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action. That suspect remains in juvenile custody, and the other two were released.
Authorities did not specify who owned the gun that was allegedly used in the fatal shooting.
Local CBS affiliate KMOV reported that Gabby was set to enter her junior year of high school in the upcoming school year. Hillsboro School District Superintendent Dr. Jon Isaacson said in a statement obtained by KMOV, “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.”
G’Sell told KSDK, “There’s no relief. My baby is gone. What mother wants to bury their baby?”