Teen Shooting Victim Identified

ABILENE, TX -- The family of the 19-year-old killed in a shooting early Sunday has confirmed to local media the victim is Megan Kirkland.

According to KTXS, Megan was a 2019 graduate of Wylie High School and was attending Cisco College. She was fatally shot during a party outside of Abilene.

According to Lt. Craig Griffis, investigators have collected a “massive amount of evidence” from the scene.

Dozens of people have been interviewed in connection to the shooting, but no arrests have been made.

Griffis stated that investigators believe several individuals left the party before deputies arrived at the scene.

The Tye and Merkel Police Department will be assisting with the investigation.

Messages of support have been appearing on social media as family and friends learn of her passing.

“Rest In Peace, you beautiful angel!  Senseless and incomprehensible what has happened to you,” said Belinda Wimsatt Dutton. “You will be forever missed.”

“I do not have words to adequately express how my heart is feeling! One of our precious former church members lost her 19-year-old daughter today. I will cherish the amazing memories of cheer pals, basketball camp, JH cheer, teen talent, and our road trip to international teen talent,” said Michelle Horton. “Please pray for Tessa Jatonne Kirkland and Lee Kirkland as they grieve the tragic loss of the only daughter, Megan Kirkland. I can not begin to fathom what they are feeling and dealing with!  God is still good and I pray He wraps his loving arms around the family and gives them sweet peace, that only He can give!”

“If anyone knows something about what happened to Megan last night please contact the police. Even if it seems insignificant, it might just help find the man that murdered her,” said Elizabeth Ramos. “We need #justiceformegan #justiceformeg”

“My heart hurts from the loss of one of my former Plowgirls!” said Shella Graves Arnwine. “Prayers for her momma, family, and many many friends for she touched so many lives.  RIP Megan Kirkland.”