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Who was Lucia Bremer? Virginia girl, 13, shot multiple times succumbs to injuries, minor boy charged with murder

The suspect's identity and age have not yet been released because he is a minor but the police revealed that he was 'identified via tips called in by the public'

HENRICO COUNTY, VIRGINIA: An eighth-grader, Lucia Whalen Bremer, was killed in Gayton Forest West subdivision of Raintree, Virginia, on Friday afternoon, March 26. The next day, Virginia police arrested a "juvenile suspect" who has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting of Bremer, as per reports. The 13-year-old victim was reportedly shot "multiple times" and she succumbed to her injures while in hospital.

The shooting forced a nearby school, Godwin High School, into temporary lockdown to protect the staff and students in the building. The suspect's identity and age have not yet been released as he is a minor but the Independent reported that the police revealed that he was "identified via tips called in by the public". It was also "confirmed" by officials that the suspected has been charged with "possession of a firearm by a juvenile, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony". Lieutenant Matt Pecka said, "On behalf of the entire police division, we appreciate the community support through the tips called in and to our partners with the Richmond ATF who assisted in the investigation."

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Henrico Police took to Twitter that revealed updates about the incident and details about the suspect. You can see the thread below.

Who was Lucia Bremer?

Bremer attended Quioccasin Middle School located in Richmond. The Independent reported that a post on the family business's Facebook page read, "Liberty Tree Farm is saddened to report that our beloved daughter and joyful farmer, Lucia Whalen Bremer, was killed in a senseless act of gun violence on March 26. Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts as we navigate the next few weeks. If you have any information to help support the ongoing investigation, please contact the Henrico County Police at 804-501-5794."

Bremer's principal, Melanie Phipps, reportedly sent a message to the parents saying that the child's death has her "heartbroken and devastated”. Phipps wrote, "Lucia was funny. She loved to tell jokes and made people laugh. She was an amazing public speaker, and you would just listen in awe as she spoke. Lucia was wise beyond her years. Talking to her didn’t feel like talking to a middle schooler." She added, "Lucia was exceptional; truly one-of-a-kind. She was brave, hardworking, and kind to everyone. Her smile would light up the entire room. In fact, her mother told me that Lucia’s name means ‘light,’ which is just the perfect way to describe her. She radiated happiness, and she loved our school.” 

David Whitehouse, Bremer’s English teacher, also reportedly said, "In a year of difficult days and weeks, this will be the most difficult of my entire career." On Sunday afternoon, a virtual memorial service was held for Bremer and "extra security measures" with be followed for the return of school on Monday. Phipps wrote, "On Sunday (March 28), we plan to have an opportunity for our staff, students and families to grieve and support one another in a safe, virtual space. Please show your support by wearing gray and white, two of Lucia’s favorite colors. Please check your email for the link."

She added, "I will continue to provide updates on the student and staff supports that will be available for school on Monday. Also, our school will have an additional police presence on Monday, which we appreciate to ensure that everyone feels safe on what we know will be a most difficult day. I am so sorry to be sharing this heartbreaking message. Thank you for keeping Lucia, her family and those involved in this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is something you’d like me to know."

Tributes pour in

In most recent reports of the tragic incident, NBC12 reported that on the field that Bremer used to play soccer at Quioccasin Middle School, a memorial was "growing" to "honor the positive light" that she was. Many people reportedly wore gray and white to the memorial, two of Bremer's favorite colors. They also tied green ribbons to fences with "messages of love" for her.

The publication further reported that Bremer's friends had their own vigil and laid flowers down where the incident took place. They also signed their names on a soccer ball as a tribute to their late friend. One of Bremer's friends, Ainsley Johnson said, "She was really bright in our life so this is just something that we can pay back and be bright during this time of grief." Another friend, Lily Budzinski, said, "When I was by myself I felt a lot more sad, but now when I’m with people I feel happier and I can actually talk a lot about it."