ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — A 15-year-old girl has died after being shot early Sunday morning in Elizabethtown, according to the Elizabethtown Police Department.
Police said officers were dispatched just after 2:30 a.m. to a reported shooting in the parking lot of a Lowe’s home improvement store in the city. When officers arrived, they found Bryan Harbison, 21, attempting to perform CPR on the teenage victim, who had been shot in the chest.
Emergency responders transported the girl to Baptist Health Hardin, where she later died from her injuries.
Events Leading Up to the Shooting
According to investigators, Harbison told police he met two 15-year-old girls through Snapchat and believed the victim was 18 years old. Police said Harbison admitted to purchasing alcohol for the teens before picking them up earlier in the night.
Authorities said the group drove to the Lowe’s parking lot to drink and spend time together. At the time of the shooting, one of the girls was sitting in the driver’s seat while Harbison was seated in the back of the vehicle with the other teen.
Conflicting Accounts About the Firearm
Police said the surviving 15-year-old told officers she picked up a handgun inside the vehicle, pointed it at the other teen, and pulled the trigger. She reportedly told investigators that Harbison had placed the firearm on the center console and said it was unloaded.
However, Harbison provided a different account. He told police the gun was secured inside the glove compartment and that the teen removed it without his knowledge.
Investigators are continuing to review evidence and statements to determine exactly how the weapon was accessed and handled prior to the shooting.
Arrests and Charges Filed
The 15-year-old girl accused of firing the gun was taken into custody and charged with murder. Due to her age, additional details about her identity have not been released.
Harbison was also arrested and faces charges of unlawful transaction with a minor and wanton endangerment. Police cited the purchase of alcohol for underage individuals and the presence of a firearm as key factors in the charges.
Harbison is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Jan. 12, according to police.
Ongoing Investigation
The Elizabethtown Police Department said the investigation remains active as detectives continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing digital and physical evidence. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed as the case develops.
Police urged parents and guardians to speak with teens about firearm safety and the dangers of handling weapons, especially in situations involving alcohol.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Elizabethtown Police Department as the investigation continues.
