KETTERING, Md. – A 17-year-old girl is dead after she was shot multiple times in her own bed, according to Prince George’s County police.
Investigators are trying to find out who kicked in the door of Amber Deanna Stanley’s home and murdered the teenager in her room, says Sgt. Sonya Rorls of Prince George’s County.
Stanley was an honors student at Charles H. Flowers High School in Prince George’s County. Thursday morning, grief counselors met students at the school to comfort them after the principal announced Stanley’s death, high school administrators tell WTOP.
Prince George’s County Public Schools released the following statement:
“The Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) community is tremendously saddened by the death of Charles Herbert Flowers High School honors student Amber Stanley. This young girl had a bright future ahead of her with dreams to pursue and goals to reach. We condemn the senseless act of violence that took her life and hope that law enforcement officials will quickly bring those responsible to justice. On behalf of our school system family, we extend our deepest sympathies to all who loved Amber and pray that your memories bring you comfort in this time of grief.”
Police are investigating whether Stanley knew her killer. No one else in the family was hurt, Rorls says. Stanley’s mother and two sisters were also home but were able to escape safely, reports WTOP news partner ABC 7 News.
Investigators are not releasing many details about the shooter, saying only that he acted alone.
Detectives have been canvassing the neighborhood, going through trash cans, mail boxes and man holes looking for a gun, ABC 7 reports.
Officers responded to the Stanley’s home in the 100 block of Chartsey Street in Kettering just before 10:30 p.m.
Stanley had told friends she wanted to go to Harvard University and dreamed of becoming a lawyer, ABC 7 reports.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to to submit a tip online.
WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report.
Follow Kristi and WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
