14-year-old girl shot in head dies; mother charged

A 14-year-old girl shot in the head Tuesday afternoon at a home in Arlington has died after spending more than 24 hours on life support. A family member said she passed away with her loved ones by her side.

Her 34-year-old mother is in jail on various charges connected to her death, including aggravated manslaughter.

The family is devastated and asking for prayers. A relative created an online fundraising account to help with medical and funeral expenses.

A relative, who asked not to be named, identified the victim as Ayva Guthrie, who was a straight-A student at Sandalwood High School, where she plays basketball. Ayva had been very excited about her half-sister’s recent birth. A neighbor described Ayva as a friendly, sweet girl.

Ayva was shot at a home on Wedgefield Boulevard in Arlington Tuesday evening. While officially the shooting has not been classified as accidental, sources said they believed the gun was not properly stored.