Monica Holley, the 14-year-old fatally shot in St. Paul Wednesday, is being remembered as someone who “brought joy to our community.”
She was an eighth grader at Highland Park Middle School in St. Paul, and lived within the Greater East Side area where she and three other teens were shot.
As of Friday, nobody was under arrest and police said they proceed to analyze the circumstances of the shooting outside an apartment constructing on Hazelwood Street near East Maryland Avenue that also injured 13- and 15-year-old girls and a 19-year-old woman.
“It’s unconscionable that a baby would have their life stolen in such a heinous manner,” St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said in an announcement Friday. “When a shot is fired and a life is lost — especially a young life so stuffed with potential — the impact is felt by our entire community.”
Monica took part in Breakthrough Twin Cities at Mounds Park Academy in St. Paul, which describes it as “a difficult academic enrichment program for highly motivated” students that seeks to organize them for school preparatory programs and college.
“She was curious and all the time showed up with positive energy and an infectious smile,” Breakthrough Twin Cities wrote in a remembrance of Monica. “She had the rare quality of with the ability to develop strong opinions and back them up while also being receptive to latest ideas and help. Monica desired to get to know others and all the time volunteered to participate, whether writing bills for our trip to the Capitol or being in a three-legged race as a Teletubby.”
Carter said he’s working with closely with St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry because the investigation continues. He thanked officers and first responders for providing “life-saving aid” and the town’s Office of Neighborhood Safety “for wrapping their arms around those grieving.”
“It’s infuriating any time our community is hurt by gun violence,” Carter said. “It’s especially appalling when our youth change into the victims. I offer my sincerest condolences to the family members of 14-year-old Monica Holley and all involved.”
Breakthrough Twin Cities said individuals who want to indicate support to Monica’s family can donate to their nonprofit and write “Monica” within the dedication box, and they’re going to ensure funds get to her family.
On Wednesday about 7:45 p.m., multiple 911 callers and an officer on patrol reported hearing gunshots, which led officers to the 1200 block of Hazelwood Street. They found Monica and two other girls had been shot outside an apartment constructing. Paramedics took them to the hospital, where Monica died.
A 19-year-old woman later arrived on the hospital with a gunshot injury to her leg. She and the 2 other teens have injuries that aren’t life threatening, police said.
Police said Thursday they were in search of witnesses and surveillance video to assist determine what happened. Investigators asked anyone with information to call them at 651-266-5650.