‘She was full of life’: Mother honoring 15-year-old daughter shot and killed in shooting

ELSEMER, Ky (WXIX/Gray News) - The mother of a teen girl who was shot and killed last week is honoring her daughter by hosting an event in her name.

Suzanne Smith will be raising money and awareness for domestic violence survivors in an afternoon benefit on Aug. 24 at Velocity Sports.

The money raised will go to organizations that help domestic violence survivors and advocate for tighter gun control laws.

“Her death isn’t going to be in vain. I will make it my last mission to make sure she’s not going to be forgotten,” Smith said.

According to Elsmere police, officers found 15-year-old Tristan Smith with multiple gunshot wounds following a reported shooting on July 21.

The teen died before she could be taken to the hospital. Her mother says the suspect in the shooting was her daughter’s boyfriend.

Elsmere police said Tristen was shot and killed by a 15-year-old boy, but they have not released his name because he is a minor.

Authorities said he has been charged with murder and domestic violence.

That suspect has been charged with murder and domestic violence. Police have not released his name because he is a minor.

“She didn’t understand why there was ugliness in the world or how you could be mean,” Suzanne Smith said. “And here my baby was taken by someone she thought loved her.”

The mother said her daughter was a dancer and a cheerleader, always ensuring those around her smiled.

“She was full of life,” Suzanne Smith said. “You were going to be entertained. If you were mad, she was going to make you happy.”

Dozens of people attended a balloon release Thursday to also honor Tristen.

“She’s forever in my heart. I’m always going to miss her. I’m always going to think about her. She’s going to be on my mind 24/7,” Kaylee Chambers, who used to eat lunch with Tristen at school, said.

Tristen was laid to rest Friday at a funeral home in Taylor Hill.

Additionally, Loved ones have started a GoFundMe in Tristen’s name.

Authorities said the circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation.