Missouri Teen Fatally Shot at Home; Three Juveniles Charged

A 16-year-old Missouri girl was found shot and killed in her home, with three juveniles later facing charges including involuntary manslaughter and abandonment of a corpse, authorities announced.

Deputies responded Saturday afternoon to a residence near Hillsboro, approximately 45 minutes southwest of St. Louis, where they discovered Gabbriana Boyster with a gunshot wound to the head. Investigators believe the shooting occurred Friday evening while three juveniles known to Boyster were present in the home. The victim's mother returned home Saturday afternoon and found her daughter's body, prompting a 911 call.

One of the juveniles has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon resulting in death, armed criminal action, and abandonment of a corpse. The other two juveniles were charged with abandonment of a corpse and have since been released. Authorities have not publicly identified the suspects due to their minor status.

Boyster's mother, Candy G'Sell, was not home at the time of the incident. She told KSDK that her last conversation with her daughter was on Friday night, when Boyster stated she was staying home and G'Sell instructed her to lock the door.

Investigators have not disclosed the motive for the shooting, but confirmed that Boyster and the juveniles knew each other. G'Sell told KSDK that the youths were friends of her daughter.

Authorities from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office noted the widespread grief stemming from the incident. Sheriff's Office spokesman Grant Bissell stated that the loss of life affects multiple families, describing it as a no-win situation.

Boyster, known to friends as "Gabby," is remembered by her mother as a kind-hearted teenager who loved her family, cared for her friends, and aspired to become an ultrasound technician. Instead of preparing for her daughter's junior year at Hillsboro High School, G'Sell said she is now planning her funeral. The Hillsboro School District has announced that grief counselors will be made available to students and staff impacted by Boyster's death.