'She was brilliant:' Family, community devastated by shooting death of 15-year-old Kaylie Juga
KENOSHA -- A Kenosha teenager was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend on Thursday, May 9, police and family said. The shooting left 15-year-old Kaylie Juga dead and her mother, Stephanie Juga, injured.
Kaylie Juga, Stephanie Juga
Kaylie Juga found joy in helping others.
"She was brilliant. She was silly. She was full of smiles," said Netasha Ruffolo, family friend.
Juga was a focused student-athlete and Bradford High School cheerleader with a love for family and friends.
Kaylie Juga
"She was sweet. She was innocent," said Ruffolo.
Netasha Ruffolo
Ruffolo said she's pained knowing that an innocent life was cut short.
"Everybody has been talking about wanting to wake up and have it be over and for her to be there," said Ruffolo.
Juga was shot and killed inside her Kenosha home on Thursday. Her father, Nick Juga, said she was preparing to go to work when she was gunned down by her ex-boyfriend who she hadn't talked to in months.
After a manhunt, police arrested 15-year-old Martice Fuller.
Stephanie Juga was wounded by the gunfire, but survived.
Martice Fuller
"She relives the details and everything that happened," said Ruffolo.
Shooting on 66th Street in Kenosha
Kaylie Juga
Nick Juga said in a statement to FOX6, "My daughter was the shining example of a beautiful, intelligent, and amazing person."
He said his daughter had hopes of going to Minnesota State -- seeking a medical degree. She had dreams of adopting children and becoming a successful individual.
"It's still not being processed," Ruffolo said. "It's heavy."
Ruffolo said what's been uplifting is the community support following the horrific tragedy.
"I just want everybody to know what a beautiful, bright, intelligent person has been taken away so senselessly," Ruffolo said.
Kaylie Juga, Juga family
Nick Juga released the following statement, in part, to FOX6 News on Saturday, May 11:
"My daughter was the shining example of a beautiful, intelligent, and amazing person."
"Kaylie was an active, free spirit and positive role model for all. She played travel softball for 5 years, varsity cheer leader for Bradford, and a volley ball player. She was a straight A student, on the national honor society, and was set to graduate with over 23 college credits. Her laugh, her smile and her presence alone would lighten up a room, regardless of your mood, her laugh was so contagious."
"Kaylie had hopes of going to Minnesota state college seeking a medical degree. She had dreams of adopting children and becoming a successful individual. She was not a morning person and would still be amazing, funny and the most loveable person around. She had her older brother Tyler in her back pocket. There wasn't anything we wouldn't do just to see her smile. We love you baby girl."
Nicholas Juga
FATHER of an amazing daughter"
FOX6 News was told Stephanie Juga was still recovering -- in a lot of physical pain. A GoFundMe page was set up to support the Juga family.
Martice Fuller could be charged with burglary, attempted homicide and homicide as soon as Monday, May 13.