Investigators believe Gabbriana Boyster was killed Friday evening, hours before her body was discovered inside her family’s home.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, MO — Three juveniles are in custody after a mother returned home and found her 16-year-old daughter shot to death, authorities said.
Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies were called Saturday, July 11, to a home in the 7900 block of Tower Road near Hillsboro. They found Gabbriana Boyster dead from an apparent gunshot wound, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators believe the shooting happened Friday evening and that her body remained inside the home for hours before it was discovered.
Detectives identified three juveniles who they believe were at the home when the shooting occurred. All three were taken into custody as investigators worked to determine what happened and whether criminal charges should be filed.
Authorities had not announced charges as of Monday afternoon. Because the people being held are minors, officials did not release their names, ages or other identifying information.
Sheriff David Marshak said Boyster was discovered Saturday afternoon, but investigators believe she had been shot the previous evening. Authorities have not said who fired the gun or whether the shooting was believed to have been intentional or accidental.
The sheriff’s office also has not released information about a possible motive, how the firearm reached the home or the relationship between Boyster and the juveniles in custody. No account of the events leading to the shooting has been made public.
The case remains under review by Jefferson County officials. Investigators are expected to submit their findings to juvenile authorities and prosecutors, who will determine what allegations, if any, are supported by the evidence.
Author note: Last updated July 14, 2026.