The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Girl, 17, shot to death while with friends, authorities say
Shooting believed to be accidental, sheriff’s office says.
A 17-year-old was shot to death Tuesday night while with her friends in a backyard, the Carroll County Sheriff ’s Office said.
“We do believe that this was an accident,” Ashley
Hulsey, spokeswoman for the sheriff ’s office, told The Atlanta Journal-constitution. “We don’t believe it was intentional.”
Around 8 p.m., investigators were called to the area of Bowdon Junction Road to assist the Mount Zion Police Department. Candace Chrzan, a Mount Zion High School student, had been killed, the sheriff ’s office said.
“The initial investigation conducted by the Carroll
County Sheriff ’s Office revealed Chrzan was shot and killed while with friends in the backyard of the residence,” the sheriff ’s office posted on Facebook.
The investigation continued Wednesday, and deputies are working with the District Attorney’s Office. Criminal charges are possible, Hulsey said.
“We ask that you keep the family of Chrzan in your thoughts and prayers as they are trying to process the loss of a bright young soul and please respect their privacy at this time,” the sheriff ’s office said. “We also ask that you remember her classmates at Mount Zion High School as they return to class without her.”
Wednesday was an online learning day for the school to allow employees to get coronavirus vaccinations, the school’s Facebook page states. Students and teachers will return today.
Candace participated in band at Mount Zion, according to the group’s Facebook page. A Gofundme page was created to assist the family with funeral costs.
“She left behind a broken-hearted community but so many precious memories,” the fundraiser organizer wrote. “As we all grieve, it’s time for Eagle Nation to rise up and support a family that has always supported us.”