Girl, 13, is 'senselessly' murdered 'by boy aged 15'

A 13-year-old Tennessee girl who cops opportunity was senselessly murdered by different teen has been pictured for nan first time.

The victim's assemblage was discovered on a ungraded way down a organization excavation successful Powell, conscionable extracurricular Knoxville, past Tuesday.

The heartbroken family of Savannah Copeland person identified her arsenic murdered teen, though she is yet to beryllium publically identified by police. 

Copeland was stabbed to decease aggregate times pinch a pouch weapon by a fishy she met pinch nan nighttime earlier she was found, according to WVLT.

Police person arrested and charged Malakiah Lamar Harris, 15, pinch 2nd grade execution successful relationship to nan death.

He appeared successful tribunal coming and is being held successful custody until his position proceeding scheduled for adjacent month.

The cops  person not released immoderate motive aliases explained nan narration betwixt nan 2 astatine this stage.

Copeland is survived by her parents Michael and Amanda, arsenic good arsenic her copy relative and different brother 

'Her beautiful grin lit up nan room,' nan family wrote successful her obituary.

'She loved her family, she loved her friends, and she loved art. Savannah attended Powell Middle School and was a talented student arsenic good arsenic an accomplished athlete—excelling successful gymnastics, karate, and cheerleading.'

The announcement described her arsenic an aspiring forensic anthropologist who had group her  sights connected attended nan University of Tennessee.

'She enjoyed scary stories, drawing, and popular music,' nan obituary added, explaining she and her family person been longtime members of nan Powell United Methodist Church.

'Savannah will beryllium everlastingly missed by everyone who knew her and loved her,' nan connection added. 

Copeland's uncle Scott Copland created a GoFundMe to raise money for ceremonial costs, wherever he shared her relatives' agony.

'Savannah, only 13 years old, was nan unfortunate of a vicious execution successful nan early hours of October 22, 2024,' he wrote.

'Savannah was a joyousness to her parents, relative Britton and copy relative Kasey, family, and friends. 

'She mislaid her young life successful a senseless mode leaving down her devastated family.

'Her parents and siblings are now not only facing a life without her but are besides contending pinch ceremonial expenses and nonaccomplishment of income.'

Copeland's cheer squad held an arena attended by nan family wherever they honored nan precocious teen by wearing her favourite color, blue. 

Knox County Sheriff's Office said earlier this week that nan investigation remains ongoing.

“I americium grateful to everyone astatine nan Knox County Sheriff’s Office for their difficult activity and diligence successful this case,' Tom Spangler, Knox County Sheriff, said.

'I besides want to convey nan Knox County School System for their assistance and cooperation. 

'We inquire you to support nan family of nan victim, nan Powell community, and our responding unit successful your prayers. 

'As rule enforcement professionals, thing tin hole america for days for illustration yesterday.'

Copeland's ceremonial will beryllium held at Powell United Methodist Church connected November 3.