Arrested: 14-year-old Keller McQuay taken into custody in fatal shooting of Racine girl
RACINE -- Racine police have arrested 14-year-old Keller McQuay in regards to the fatal shooting investigation of a teenage girl on Thursday evening, September 10th. 14-year-old Vista Jackson died at a hospital from injuries she suffered after being shot near Douglas and Albert in Racine.
Keller McQuay
Investigators say McQuay was located in a vehicle near 9th and Villa Streets in Racine Friday afternoon, September 11th. Officials concluded their initial interview with McQuay Friday evening and he is being apprehended for first degree intentional homicide and possession of a firearm by a felon.
McQuay is now being transported to the Racine Juvenile Detention Center.
What really seems to be standing out to people with this case is the ages -- just 14 years old. It's something many people are struggling with -- including neighbors, friends and those at the victim's high school.
"I see this child every day and now I won't get to see her," said Tara White, neighbor.
Tara White says the only way to describe the loss of Vista Jackson is heartbreaking.
"I had just seen the child two hours before this happened," said White.
Vista Jackson
White says Jackson was often visiting the home next door to her -- that's where she says police were focused the night Jackson was killed.
"I see her everyday. Very polite, always pleasant, never was rude. The boy, I knew his family before he was born. It's heartbreaking because you got two families hurting, not just one," White said.
Some say a third family is also hurting; teachers and students at Horlick High School where Jackson attended.
"In times of tragedy, the most important thing is to rally everyone together to support each other and we're absolutely here to support the family of the victim but also our family at Horlick -- our students and our staff," said Stacy Tapp, School District 97.
District officials say they wasted no time calling the crisis team into the school.
"There's really no way to prepare a student to deal with or face something like this. So I think having the crisis team there, that's what they're experts at," said Tapp.
It's especially important in this case, officials say, when you are dealing with such a young victim and such a young person potentially involved.
"It's sad because these are kids, these are kids," said White.
Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information that anyone may have regarding this death investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 262-635-7756. You may also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 262-636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637) and referring to Tipsoft I.D. #TIP417 with your text message.