Police clarified Friday that the teenage girl found dead inside a southwest valley home was killed before officers entered and a shootout ensued.
Family and friends identified the girl as 14-year-old Aven Drummond, who played volleyball and was supposed to start her sophomore year just days after her death.
Metropolitan Police Department Assistant Sheriff Fred Haas said a woman called 911 reporting that she had been shot after her boyfriend, later identified as Jason Simmons, chased her with a blowtorch.
As officers entered the home near South Buffalo Drive and Peace Way early Monday morning, they found a “female victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound” in a front bedroom, according to Haas.
A spokesperson with the department confirmed that she was the teenage victim. Meanwhile, Nichole Drummond, the girl’s mother and the 911 caller, was hiding inside a bathroom in the home, according to police.
Simmons had locked himself inside another bedroom, and as officer Zaira Venegas-Hernandez tried to get inside, he fired several rounds through the door.
A bullet went through two dozen layers of Venegas-Hernandez’s ballistic vest and caused a chest injury. She and Nichole Drummond, who later exited the home with burn injuries and a gunshot wound, were taken to the hospital.
As Nichole Drummon exited, she told police that Simmons had shot himself. Officers, including SWAT, re-entered the home and tried to get Aven medical care.
She was pronounced dead at the scene. Simmons, who police said suffered a gunshot wound to the head, also died there.
If you’re thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Lifeline network at 988. Live chat is available at 988lifeline.org. Additionally, the Crisis Text Line is a free, national service available 24/7. Text HOME to 741741.
Contact Akiya Dillon at adillon@reviewjournal.com.
