Community Remembers 13-Year-Old Accidental Shooting Victim
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — A community comes together to remember a 13-year-old girl shot and killed as police investigate what role one of their own officers may have played in covering up her death.
Meghan McCorkell has the latest on this heartbreaking case.
Family members and classmates gathered to remember 13-year-old Monae Turnage as questions still linger about her death.
There were prayers and tears as a community remembers Monae Turnage.
"She was a loving child. She just loved to have fun. She liked to go places, do things and she liked to make friends," said Edith Turnage, Monae's mother.
Classmates said goodbye with messages on the teen's locker.
"Monae...she didn't get into a lot of trouble," said classmate Mytasha Waters. "She was quiet."
Investigates say Turnage was shot by two boys playing with a rifle. Her body was dragged into a backyard and hidden under trash bags.
"I never thought this would happen to her---if anybody---around here. It just shouldn't have been her because she never did anything to anybody," said classmate Shytia Moody.
Sources say the rifle used in the killing was found inside an off-duty police officer's car. That officer is dating a relative of one of the suspects.
As the community mourns Turnage's death, city leaders are vowing to get answers about how she was killed.
"We are going to get those answers. It won't bring her back, but for the safety of all the children," said Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke.
An intense investigation is underway about what role that officer played in the killing.
"The thought of it is, quite frankly, disgusting. I require more from our officers," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
Family members hope others learn from this tragedy, as they remember a life lost much too soon.
The 12 and 13-year-old suspects are in juvenile detention charged with involuntary manslaughter.
A funeral service for Monae Turnage will be held this Saturday.
