Audrey Maria Kellogg, a 14-year-old girl from Erie, PA, tragically passed away on October 29, 2022. She was an eighth-grade student at Walnut Creek Middle School and was known for her intelligence, beauty, humor, and love for ice hockey and skateboarding. Audrey was also an excellent cook and had a natural gift with animals.
The cause of Audrey's death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head.
The incident occurred at a Chestnut Street apartment in Erie, where Audrey was attending a gathering with friends. The 16-year-old boyfriend of Audrey, Riley R. Shearer, was present at the scene and was later charged with involuntary manslaughter. According to police reports, Shearer was handling a shotgun when it discharged, fatally injuring Audrey. Witnesses described Shearer's behavior as reckless, and he admitted to firing the shotgun.
Shearer was charged as an adult due to the violent nature of the offense and faced multiple charges, including two felony counts of aggravated assault and several misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person and possession of a firearm by a minor. He waived his preliminary hearing and was released on bond with conditions, including living with his mother and being on electronic monitoring.
The investigation into Audrey's death is ongoing, and authorities have stated that additional charges could be filed if appropriate. The community continues to mourn the loss of Audrey, remembering her for her caring spirit, deep inner strength, and enthusiasm for her future.
Audrey's family and friends have expressed their grief and have requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the family in care of the funeral home. Audrey will be deeply missed, and her bright light will forever live in their hearts.
