A Missouri mother discovered her 16-year-old daughter, Gabbriana 'Gabby' Boyster, dead in their Hillsboro home on Saturday afternoon after the teen was fatally shot. Three teenage boys have since been arrested and charged in connection with Boyster's death.
Boyster's mother, Candy G'Sell, found her daughter in their home after telling her to lock the door Friday night while she was away. Investigators believe Boyster was shot on Friday evening, and her body was left in the home for hours before being discovered the following day. G'Sell told local media that her daughter had been friends with the three boys who were present in the home at the time of the shooting.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday that all three juveniles have been charged. Each faces a charge of abandonment of a corpse. One suspect is additionally charged with involuntary manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action. The sheriff's office stated that one teen remains in custody while the other two have been released. The owner of the weapon allegedly used in the shooting has not been specified.
Boyster was described by her mother and sister as a kind and loving individual. Her sister, Hailey McLain, called her the "sweetest kindest soul ever" and "the best aunt you could ask for." A GoFundMe created for the family described Boyster as someone who "always make you smile" and was "beautiful inside and out, full of laughter, endless giggles, and a smile that made everyone around her feel at home."
Boyster was preparing to enter her junior year at Hillsboro High School. Superintendent Dr. Jon Isaacson issued a statement offering condolences and support to the student's family, friends, and the school community. Friends of Boyster have been seen protesting outside the Jefferson County Missouri Circuit Court and the Jefferson County Juvenile Detention Center, holding signs with the hashtag '#JusticeForGabby'.