One year since 13-year-old Eldora girl shot and killed by a 12-year-old boy, result of 'gun play'
Monday marked one year since a 13-year-old Eldora girl was fatally shot by a 12-year-old boy. The death of Keeley Baer was the unintentional result of “gun play,” according to the Hardin County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities with the Eldora Police Department and Hardin County Sheriff's Office responded around 5:30 p.m. April 14, 2024, to a 911 call from a residence on 12th Street in Eldora, according to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The call indicated that someone had been shot. Authorities found Baer had died at the residence. A 12-year-old boy was placed in custody. His identity has still not been released.
vlog reached out to the Hardin County Attorney's Office Tuesday for an update on the case but did not hear back.
James Larsen, the grandfather of Baer, said it's been a difficult year.
"Yesterday marked one year since she was murdered," he said. "They say grief gets better with time. No, it's a day-by-day, moment-by-moment thing."
Baer was a student at South Hardin Middle School. The South Hardin Middle School Helping Hands Group placed a memorial bench in front of the school in honor of Baer. The Class of 2030 also planted a memorial tree for her as well.
In a statement made to vlog, superintendent Dr. Adam Zellmer reflected on the one-year mark of the student's passing:
"The many wonderful memories of Keeley Bear live on at South Hardin Middle School and South Hardin Schools. The Class of 2030 has preserved her memory through the planting of a memorial tree at South Hardin Middle School, and the South Hardin Middle School Helping Hands Group has a memorial bench outside South Hardin Middle School to continue to honor the lasting impact she had on everyone she encountered during her life. Her kind and caring soul, and her unforgettable smile are lasting legacies for all of us at South Hardin Schools."
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