The Hill County Sheriff's Office is investigating after an 8-year-old girl was shot and killed Thursday night.
The sheriff's office received a call about 8:20 p.m. in reference to a gunshot victim in the 200 block of FM 1534. Officers with the Whitney Police Department arrived on the scene just minutes later.
"Medical personnel arrived shortly after and determined the victim was deceased," according to a press release.
Justice of the Peace Shane Brassell pronounced the girl dead at the scene.
The sheriff's office said the girl was shot in the head.
"Preliminary reports indicate the incident may be an accidental discharge of the weapon," the sheriff's office said.
The girl was a second grader at Whitney Elementary School. Additional counselors were made available at Whitney Elementary and Whitney Intermediate Schools for students who needed them.
Whitney ISD released the following statement:
"We are devastated to learn about the loss of a second grader from Whitney Elementary and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family. Additional counselors and support will be available to meet the needs of our students and staff. Please keep the family and our Whitney ISD community in your thoughts and prayers."
No arrests were made at the scene, and the sheriff's office said they are not seeking any additional people at this time who may be involved in the incident.
The sheriff's office did not release the name of the girl or the people involved in the incident.
Judge Brassell ordered an autopsy.
The investigation continues.
The family has asked for privacy as they prepare for the funeral. But, the Whitney community has done their best to honor the little girl's life.
"Yesterday evening around 8:20 p.m. we received a call of an alleged accidental shooting in the 200 block of FM 1534."
That gun shot killed eight-year-old Makenzi instantly. An autopsy has been ordered, but there are still very few details about what exactly happened.
"As of this time, we believe it to be accidental, but we are continuing the investigation," Hill County Sheriff Rodney Watson said.
Makenzi was a second grader at Whitney Elementary School. The school district was notified of her passing late Thursday night. So this morning...
"The counselors met with the classes and talked to the kids about what happened with Makenzi," Gene Solils, the Superintendent of Whitney ISD, said.
A little over 100 second graders gathered together and wrote notes to Makenzi and drew pictures of their time together.
Some even wrote they hope she has fun in Heaven with God and Jesus.
"She's a sweet kid, and we're gonna miss her. And we are gonna pull together as a family. That's one thing I'll say about this community, when something like this happens, they come together so it's a good place to be," Solis added.
In light of the tragedy, Hill County Sheriff's Office wants to remind all gun owners to...
"...make sure they're aware of where their guns are and that ammunition is separate from the gun. If there's any young children around, absolutely do not leave a gun laying around or somewhere where they may get to it," Sheriff Watson added.
Makenzi's teacher said she will never forget her giving spirit and plans to hold on to a painted rock Makenzi gave her for Christmas.
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