“People get killed for that now;” 15-year-old girl died after the 15-year-old boy she was in a romantic relationship with shot her twice in the chest and arm following a dispute; boy charged
Kentucky – In a deeply disturbing case in Kentucky, a 15-year-old boy is facing murder charges after fatally shooting his 15-year-old girlfriend, identified as T. Smith, during what authorities believe was a dispute between the two. The teenager has been charged with murder (domestic violence) and tampering with physical evidence following the fatal shooting that took place on Monday night. Law enforcement and prosecutors have not released the boy’s name but confirmed that he will face the charges in juvenile court while they determine whether the case will be transferred to adult court.
According to police, the deadly incident occurred around 8:45 p.m. Police officers responded to reports of a shooting and found Smith inside a home with critical gunshot wounds to her arm and chest. Despite attempts to save her, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the boy fled the home immediately after the shooting but later returned to the scene, where he was taken into custody. During questioning, the teen claimed he had “dropped the gun” while running away on foot, and its current whereabouts remain unknown.
Authorities are asking residents to remain vigilant and to contact 911 if they come across the weapon, which is believed to still be loaded. Officers have also urged the public not to touch the gun if found to preserve potential DNA and fingerprint evidence. As the investigation continues, police are still trying to determine how the teen gained access to the firearm and what exactly transpired in the moments leading up to the deadly shooting. While officials have not confirmed the nature of the dispute, social media posts and a GoFundMe page established in the wake of the tragedy describe the two teens as being in a romantic relationship.
The loss of Smith has left her family and community devastated. Described by loved ones as “kind” and “genuine,” the 15-year-old was remembered as a bright spirit with a deep sense of compassion. “She didn’t deserve this,” Smith’s grandmother, A. Torrence, told local media sources. “She was a beautiful, bright light in our lives. We’re going to miss her terrible. She loved everyone, cared about people. The homeless, pets.”
A fundraising page created to cover funeral expenses echoed similar sentiments, painting a portrait of a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her, only to have it stolen in a senseless act of violence. The community has rallied around the family, offering condolences and support as they try to make sense of the unthinkable. Local residents are also grappling with the implications of such a young person committing such a violent act. “This could have happened because of a disagreement,” a neighbor reflected. “People get killed for that now. To kill somebody at 15 years old—that’s crazy, man.”
As of now, the suspect remains in juvenile custody. Whether prosecutors will seek to try him as an adult remains to be seen. The case has highlighted the urgent issue of gun access among minors and the prevalence of domestic violence in teenage relationships. Meanwhile, police are continuing their search for the weapon and working to establish a complete timeline of events. Authorities say the investigation is still “very active,” and more details will likely emerge in the coming days as they analyze forensic evidence and speak to additional witnesses. The case has left an indelible mark on the community, which now mourns the tragic and untimely death of a young girl who was taken far too soon.
