A 16-year-old Missouri girl was fatally shot while spending time with friends, who authorities say failed to report the killing before her mother later found her inside the family home.
Gabbriana Boyster was allegedly shot in the head Friday night at a home in Hillsboro, Missouri, and her body was not discovered until Saturday afternoon by her mother, Candy G’Sell, KDSK reported.
“While the victim was discovered Saturday afternoon, investigators believe the shooting took place Friday evening, and the victim’s body was abandoned for hours,” Jefferson County Sheriff David Marshak said.
G’Sell described the devastating moment she found her daughter in a room of their home, saying she was “laying there… sitting up.”
Investigators believe three boys were at Boyster’s home when the shooting happened. 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 boys have been charged with abandonment of a corpse.
G’Sell said the boys were friends of her daughter, who was preparing to begin her junior year at Hillsboro High School and hoped to become an ultrasound technician.
“She loved her friends… for them, her friends, to just leave her,” the grieving mother said.
G’Sell said her daughter’s death is “not fair,” while her family branded her killing as a “senseless tragedy.”
“Gabby was the kind of person who would always make you smile,” they said.
“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.”
Boyster was the youngest of three siblings — sister Hailey McLain and brother Connor Boyster — who “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.
