A teenager at a bonfire party in a Virginia woods was shot and killed while trying to break up a fight just after midnight Sunday, and his girlfriend learned the tragic news in a two-word text message sent by his father.
Police said Christian Arken Whalen, 19, was with a “large group” who had gathered and were “trespassing” on property in Spotsylvania County when a fight broke out. press release Monday.
Police said Whalen tried to break up the fight when another teen shot him in the “lower extremities.”
Officers responded to the scene around 1 a.m. after receiving a report of a shooting and Whalen was taken to hospital, where he later died.
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Christian Whalen was shot and killed on Sunday, and his girlfriend, Lacey Milling, learned the tragic news via text message. (Christian Whalen/Facebook)
Whalen's girlfriend, Lacey Milling, He told NBC4 She warned him not to go to the party but became worried when he didn't return her messages, and her fears became reality when she began seeing posts about Whalen on social media.
“Then I went on Snapchat and I saw people posting on their stories, 'Pray for Christians,'” she told the outlet. “It was just everywhere.”
She then received a heartbreaking message from Whalen's father.
“I saw the notice that came from his dad that said, 'Christian is dead,'” she said. “It was literally just two words.”
Detectives interviewed witnesses at the scene and learned that 18-year-old Kenneth Watson fired the shot that killed Whalen.
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Kenneth Watson, 18, is charged with murder for shooting and killing Christian Whalen. (Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office)
Watson has been charged with murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and is being held without bail at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.
“On behalf of Sheriff Roger Harris, we offer our deepest condolences to Christian's family and friends,” the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
On the fundraising page, Milling called Whalen her “fiancé” and “the most kind, loyal, honest and caring person I've ever met,” adding, “He would always say 'I love you' and 'thank you' before going out anywhere because he would always say 'the next 30 minutes aren't promised.'”
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“His dad sent me a notice that said, 'Christian is dead,'” Lacey Milling said. “It was literally just those two words.” (Christian Whalen/Facebook)
Milling said the last words Whalen said to her were, “I'm sorry I wasn't the best person, but I love you.”
“His family must now live with the loss of their precious son because of selfish people who do not deserve to own guns,” she wrote.
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Police said they are investigating and are relying on witness statements who may have been at the party but left before police arrived. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office.
