Utah Girl, 15, Was Fatally Shot in the Head — and Her 16-Year-Old Boyfriend Now Faces Adult Murder Charge

A 15-year-old Utah girl is being mourned this week as a vibrant young soul “full of life” and “dreams ahead of her,” after she was allegedly shot and killed by her 16-year-old boyfriend in her bedroom early Saturday morning.

Authorities in Ogden, Utah, say that 16-year-old Hezekiah Plummer fatally shot Chanelle Alvarez in the head at point-blank range before fleeing her family’s home around 3 a.m., according to reports from KSL, KUTV, and Fox 13.

Police said a family member, awakened by the gunshot, discovered Alvarez in her bedroom and reportedly crossed paths with Plummer as he fled the scene. Citing court records, KSL reported that during the encounter, Plummer made a statement about a “robbery” and mentioned another person’s name, claiming that individual had tried to rob them, before escaping with the firearm allegedly used in the shooting.

Plummer was later arrested in a neighboring county carrying more than $4,000 in cash and several ounces of marijuana, according to KSL and Fox 13. Authorities allege he disposed of the gun before being taken into custody.

Alvarez’s mother told investigators that Plummer, who had frequently stayed with the family, arrived at their home around 1 a.m. that night.

Plummer has since been charged with first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and theft of a firearm, per KSL. He will be tried as an adult.

A GoFundMe campaign created to support Alvarez’s family described her as having a “beautiful and feisty spirit” and a “contagious laugh.” The family expressed heartbreak over her loss and linked her death to domestic violence — “something no child, no family, should ever have to endure.”

Alvarez was also a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Ogden, where she regularly attended summer camps, according to KUTV.

“She was an absolutely spectacular young woman — so much life,” said Jeff Stephenson, the church’s pastor, in an interview with the outlet. “Always had a smile on her face. She was caring, compassionate, and full of curiosity about life that was unmatched.”