A boy has been arrested in connection with a shooting that killed an eighth grade girl in Virginia after a day-long manhunt.
Loved ones identified the victim as Lucia Whalen Bremer, a student at the Quioccasin Middle School in Richmond.
She was shot multiple times on Friday afternoon at the Gayton Forest West subdivision and died at an area hospital soon after.
Police said the suspected shooter fled the scene immediately after opening fire and was arrested on Saturday afternoon about a half-mile away.
His name has not been released due to his age but he is said to be facing charges including second-degree homicide, possession of a firearm by juvenile, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to the Henrico Citizen.
Lucia Whalen Bremer (pictured) was shot multiple times and killed in Richmond, Virginia, on Friday afternoon. A teen boy was arrested and charged with her murder on Saturday
Bremer was shot multiple times at the Gayton Forest West subdivision. The Henrico Citizen said the shooting occurred on the path shown above
Bremer’s family, who run a local produce business called Liberty Tree Farm, announced her death in a Facebook statement on Saturday.
‘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,’ the post read.
‘Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts as we navigate the next few weeks.’
Henrico County Public Schools posted a photo of the slain student and said the community was ‘heartbroken and devastated’.
Quioccasin Middle School Principal Melanie Phipps released a heartfelt statement remembering Bremer.
‘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,’ Phipps wrote.
‘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.’
Bremer’s family, who run a local produce business called Liberty Tree Farm, announced her death in a Facebook statement on Saturday (pictured)
Phipps said the school was preparing to hold a vigil for Bremer on Sunday. Attendees were urged to wear gray and white, which the principal said were two of Bremer’s favorite colors.
‘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 wrote.
Friday’s shooting shocked the Richmond community and forced a nearby high school into lockdown.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear and anyone with information is urged to contact the Henrico County Police at 804-501-5794.