A teenage boy has been arrested after he reportedly shot an eighth-grade girl in Virginia.
Family members identified the victim as Lucia Whalen Bremer, who was reportedly shot multiple times at the Gayton Forest West subdivision and sadly passed away in a hospital.
Lucia was a student at the Quioccasin Middle School in Richmond.
The gunman immediately fled the scene after shooting the girl. After a day-long manhunt, police found and arrested him about a half-mile away.
The motive for the attack remains unclear and it forced a nearby school into lockdown.
According to Henrico Citizen, the teen’s name hasn’t been released because of his age but he is said to be facing charges including the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a juvenile, and second-degree homicide.
Lucia’s family, who runs a local produce business called Liberty Tree Farm, announced her tragic death on Facebook.
Liberty Tree Farm’s heartbreaking post read: “Liberty Tree Farm is saddened to report that our beloved daughter and joyful farmer, Lucia Whalen Bremer, was killed in a senseless act of gun violence on March 26.
“Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts as we navigate the next few weeks.”
Quioccasin Middle School Principal Melanie Phipps also shared a statement remembering the student.
“Lucia was funny. She loved to tell jokes and made people laugh. She was an amazing public speaker, and you would just listen in awe as she spoke. Lucia was wise beyond her years. Talking to her didn’t feel like talking to a middle schooler,” she wrote.
Phipps continued: “Lucia was exceptional; truly one-of-a-kind. She was brave, hardworking, and kind to everyone. Her smile would light up the entire room.
“In fact, her mother told me that Lucia’s name means “light”, which is just the perfect way to describe her. She radiated happiness, and she loved our school.”
The principal also said that the school was preparing to hold a vigil for Lucia.
“Our school will have an additional police presence on Monday, which we appreciate to ensure that everyone feels safe on what we know will be a most difficult day,” Phipps added.
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