Elizabethtown teen killed in shooting remembered as 'a sweet girl' and bright student

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A 15-year-old Elizabethtown girl shot and killed in the parking lot of a Lowe's by another teen over the weekend is being remembered as a compassionate and bright student.

One of Katen Atwell's teachers said she was heartbroken when she learned of her death this weekend.

"I just remember being really sad and upset because she was such a sweet girl, and a sweet family," Jacinta Finn, a virtual teacher for Hardin County Schools, said. "It was just really devastating to hear."

The Hardin County freshman was enrolled in virtual school. She's being described by those who knew her as compassionate and charismatic.

Finn said any time a young person dies, it takes a toll on everyone.

"Of course those who knew her are struggling, but the staff members all come together and it's hard on everyone," she said. "It's hard on students to hear something happening unexpectedly like that."

It's unclear exactly what led up to the shooting. According to Elizabethtown police, officers responded to a reported shooting in a Lowe's parking lot, off Ring Road, just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

Police found 21-year-old Bryan Harbison on the scene giving CPR to a 15-year-old girl after she was shot in the chest.

She was taken to Baptist Health Hardin where she died.

BRYAN HARBISON.jpg — Bryan Harbison. (Source: Hardin County Detention Center)

According to police, Harbison met two 15-year-old girls on Snapchat and believed the victim was 18.

He told police he bought them alcohol before picking them up. The three of them then drove to the Lowe's parking lot to hang out and drink.

Police said one of the girls was in the driver's seat while Harbison was in the back with the other girl.

The 15-year-old admitted to officers that she picked up a handgun inside the vehicle, pointed it at the other 15-year-old and pulled the trigger, according to police.

The 15-year-old told police Harbison had put the gun on the center console and told them it was unloaded. But he told police that it was secured in the glove compartment, and she had removed it without him knowing.

The girl who allegedly shot the victim was arrested and charged with murder.

Harbison was arrested and charged with unlawful transaction with a minor and wanton endangerment.

He pleaded not guilty in court on Monday, Jan. 12, and his bond was set at $10,000.

A GoFundMe page was set up to help Atwell's family pay for funeral services.

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