Jillian Ludwig, New Jersey college student shot and killed in Nashville, remembered for her love of music
BRIELLE, N.J. -- A New Jersey student shot by a stray bullet while away at school in Tennessee has died.
On Thursday night, her community at home was mourning her death.
Outside the Church in Brielle, loved ones and friend honored one of their own, 18-year-old Jillian Ludwig.
"The community is reeling," music teacher Dawne Mechlinski said.
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Ludwig had a passion for singing and music. She followed her dream of inspiring others through music and found her way to Belmont University in Nashville, where she was a student.
"She was ready to embrace the world and shine that light and this is a very difficult time for everyone," Mechlinski said.
Police said Ludwig was walking in a park on Tuesday when she was shot in the head. Shaquille Taylor, who has since been arrested by Metro-Nashville police, is accused of shooting at a car from the public housing building across the street.
"It's unbelievable. It's hard to just sink in," Louis LaFazia, pastor of the Church in Brielle. "This one hit really hard because it came out of the blue."
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The Church in Brielle community is in deep mourning, holding vigils since word of the shooting. Counselors were made available after Thursday night's prayer.
"If people want to hang out and be together and just have community with each other and support, love and cry together, whatever they need to do," LaFazia said.
Whatever they'll need, now that a beloved member of their community has been taken away, someone who was dedicated to improving the lives around her through volunteering and raising money for causes she believed in.
"Our service this evening will hopefully exemplify our love for her through our music. Many of her peers are stepping up tonight to sing in the community because it's our way of hugging our community. We're a singing family," Mechlinski said.
Taylor was initially facing aggravated assault and evidence tampering charges while Ludwig was in critical condition. Police have not said if those charges will be upgraded now that she has passed away.