Police are investigating what caused a 15-year-old boy to shoot another 15-year-old boy before turning the gun on himself, in an apparent murder-suicide. The teens were reportedly hanging out with friends in an Arizona desert area, when their gathering suddenly turned deadly.
So far, only one of the boys who died has been identified by his family, who wanted to set the record straight. There are still a lot of questions that may or may not be answered.
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The boys were out with a group of friends.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying that around 11 p.m., first responders reported to a call in a remote area of Tonto Basin, Arizona. According to their initial report, one teen boy shot another before shooting himself.
Both teens had gunshot wounds to the head. One teen was already dead, but the other was still breathing. That boy was airlifted to a trauma center in Phoenix.
It's unclear what the boys were doing at the time of the incident.
ABC 15 reported that officials stated the teen was with a group of seven other individuals between the ages of 15 and 20. All but one of the people present were drinking. Police are continuing to investigate the shooting. At this time, the identity of the shooter hasn’t been released.
The family of the alleged victim has spoken out.
While the shooter has yet to be publicly identified, the family of the alleged victim have identified him as 15-year-old Colten Boyle. His mother, Michelle Boyle, wrote a Facebook post about her son’s death on December 1.
“This has been the worst day of our lives. Colten Boyle left us far too soon after being on life support. He was surrounded by most who love him,” she began the post.
She gave her son a beautiful tribute.
“I do not want his life remembered as the kid in Tonto Basin who was murdered,” Boyle continued.
“He was the funniest/kindest/hard working ranch hand/ best big/little brother/goofy 90’s cowboy shirt wearing roping cowboy and OUR SON. His Snapchats and text could make you pee your pants laughing. He never failed to have a smart comment if you were sassin’ him. We are beyond shattered that this has happened to him. He had everything to live for! He had so much still left to do!”
She added that while the family is asking for privacy, she wanted to “clear up the sheriff report which does not specify the true shooter.”
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It's clear that Colten was beloved by those who knew him.
“He’s just a good kid,” close family friend Brett Flaherty told 12 News.
According to friends and family, Colten Boyle loved rodeos and roping competitions. He traveled across the country to participate in different competitions. His death has certainly rocked his community.
“It’s just unbelievable that such an unfortunate accident could happen to such a really just fine young man,” Flaherty said.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
