Brynnlee Hampton dies in fatal Amarillo shooting

Brynnlee Hampton dies in fatal Amarillo shooting
Fatal Amarillo shooting death of Brynnlee Hampton – Obituary

Brynnlee Hampton, a 15-year-old girl from Texas, was killed after being shot early on New Year’s Day in Amarillo, according to law enforcement officials. Brynnlee Hampton was inside a vehicle when the shooting occurred around 1:10 a.m. in the area of Westwind Avenue, police said.

Officers responding to reports of a shooting arrived to find that Hampton had suffered a gunshot wound while seated in a car. Investigators later learned from witnesses that a teenage boy inside the vehicle had been handling a firearm, waving it around and pointing it toward other passengers.

According to statements given to police, the teenage driver initially believed the sound of the gunshot was a firework. Moments later, a passenger indicated she may have been shot, prompting the driver to pull over. It was then discovered that Hampton had been wounded.

Police reported finding a single bullet hole in the back of the front passenger seat along with blood on the seat itself. Hampton was rushed to a hospital with critical injuries but later died despite medical efforts.

Authorities arrested a 17-year-old boy on a manslaughter charge in connection with the shooting. Another 17-year-old was taken into custody on suspicion of tampering with evidence.

Members of the Tascosa High School volleyball community shared a message honoring Hampton, remembering her as a bright presence both on and off the court and expressing condolences to her family, friends, and teammates as they mourn her loss.