Katlyn Michelle Wittcop was 17 and living in Hickory, North Carolina, when she was killed at her home on July 28, 2018. Born April 3, 2001, she was the daughter of Lewis and Melinda Wittcop and is remembered by family and friends.

According to witnesses, Katlyn was at a gathering at her residence when a 20-year-old guest, Cheyenne Kenniston, was handling a firearm and the gun discharged. Katlyn suffered a fatal gunshot wound. The Hickory Police Department investigated the shooting and Kenniston was charged with second-degree murder; later court filings show the charge was reduced to involuntary manslaughter and resolved by a plea resulting in community service, restitution, and jail time with credit for time served.

Katlyn’s family has spoken publicly about their disappointment with the outcome and continues to mourn her loss. If anyone has information about Katlyn’s death or the events that night, please come forward.