‘Our hearts are broken’: High school student shot, killed on New Year’s Day

AMARILLO, Texas. (KFDA/Gray News) - A 15-year-old girl in Texas was shot and killed on New Year’s Day, according to authorities.

Officials say on Thursday at around 1:10 a.m., police were called to the area of Westwind Ave on a report of a woman who had been shot.

When officers arrived, they learned the victim, identified as 15-year-old Brynnlee Hampton, had been shot in a car.

According to an affidavit, multiple witnesses told police that one of the teen boys was playing with a firearm inside the vehicle. Witnesses said he waved the gun around and pointed it at other passengers’ faces.

The teen driver told investigators she heard what sounded like a firework.

One of the front-seat passengers then told her she believed she had been shot. The driver pulled over and realized Hampton had been shot.

Inside the vehicle, officers found a single bullet hole in the rear of the front passenger seat and blood on the front passenger seat.

Hampton was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. However, she later died from her injuries.

Police said one 17-year-old was arrested on a manslaughter charge.

Another 17-year-old was arrested on a charge of tampering with evidence.

Tascosa Volleyball wrote on Facebook, “Our hearts are broken. Our volleyball family is mourning the tragic loss of one of our own. Brynnlee was a light on and off the court. We hold her family, friends and teammates in our thoughts and prayers as we mourn together and honor her memory.”

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