Nationwide — Ahliana Dickey, a 15-year-old African American girl from Lowell, Massachusetts, was tragically shot and killed just hours before her middle school graduation. Her older boyfriend, 21-year-old Trevor Bady, has been arrested for the crime.
Ahliana was discovered with gunshot wounds in her home’s bedroom on Friday evening, as reported by the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office. She was supposed to attend her graduation ceremony that same day, but when she didn’t show up, her family went to check on her and discovered the heartbreaking scene, according to the New York Post.
Investigations revealed Ahliana was in an abusive relationship with Bady. Surveillance footage captured Ahliana calling for help before midnight, with a male suspect leaving her home around the same time.
Earlier that day, neighbors reported a loud argument involving a man and a woman across the street. The woman was allegedly yelling “get off me, get away from me, I don’t want to be with you anymore” and was followed by gunshots shortly after midnight. Police responded to the scene but did not locate anyone.
Bady was later identified through Uber records, which showed he had taken rides to and from Dickey’s home before and after the shooting. He was arrested without incident in Peabody on Monday and has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, armed home invasion, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to reports, Ahliana had expressed fear for her and her grandmother’s safety just days before her death.
Ahliana’s father, Scott Dickey, expressed his grief on Facebook, saying, “My worst fear has happened. Loosing (sic) a child, I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone,”
As of Tuesday afternoon, a GoFundMe campaign for Ahliana’s family had raised more than $12,700 toward its $20,000 goal.
Meanwhile, Trevor Bady remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on July 30.
