Hours before her middle school graduation, 15-year-old Ahliana Dickey was fatally shot in her Lowell, Massachusetts home; the suspect, her abusive boyfriend Trevor Bady, has been arrested and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges.

Ahliana Dickey’s tragic death has shocked the Lowell community, highlighting the dangers of abusive relationships and the urgent need for intervention. Police reports indicate that Ahliana had previously expressed fear for her life due to threats from 21-year-old Trevor Bady, who has now been charged with her murder and other serious offenses. As the community mourns, a GoFundMe has been established to support Ahliana’s family, which has already raised more than half of its $20,000 goal.

Ahliana Dickey was found dead from gunshot wounds in a first-floor bedroom of her home. Her grandmother discovered her body around 6:10 p.m. and immediately called the police. The family had grown concerned when Ahliana did not show up for her middle school graduation, prompting them to search for her whereabouts.

Neighbors reported hearing a disturbance shortly before Ahliana's death. According to one neighbor, there was a loud argument involving a male and female just after midnight, followed by the sound of gunshots. Surveillance footage corroborates these accounts, showing Ahliana yelling for help around that time, with a male suspect seen leaving her home.

Authorities identified 21-year-old Trevor Bady as a suspect when an investigation revealed that he had taken an Uber to and from Ahliana's home before and after the shooting. Ahliana had been in an abusive relationship with Bady, and two days prior to her death, she confided in someone that Bady had threatened to kill both her and her grandmother.

Bady was arrested without incident in Peabody on Monday. He has since pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, armed home invasion, unlawful possession of a firearm, and other related offenses in Lowell District Court. He is also charged with felony armed home invasion, unlawful possession of ammunition, use of a firearm while committing a felony, and discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a building.

Trevor Bady is currently being held in custody and is due back in court on July 30. As the legal proceedings continue, the case has drawn attention to the issue of domestic violence, particularly its impact on younger victims.

In the wake of Ahliana's death, her family and friends have taken to social media to express their grief and to celebrate her life. Many remembered her positive attitude, her kindness, and her excitement for the future that was tragically cut short. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover funeral expenses and support the family during this difficult time. The fundraiser, which aims to raise $20,000, had already collected over $10,600 as of Tuesday afternoon.

The community continues to grapple with the loss of a young life filled with promise. Meanwhile, local authorities and organizations may use this tragic incident as a catalyst to advocate for stronger support systems and resources for those in abusive relationships.