FITZGERALD, Ga. (WALB) - Nearly one year after 15-year-old Chyell Paulk was shot and killed at a prom after-party in Fitzgerald, the family is continuing to honor her legacy with a memorial walk.

On April 28, 2024, the 15-year-old was killed on the 300 block of Pine Street. Now, almost a year later, Chyell’s family is fighting for justice while calling on the community to stop the violence.

“It’s just senseless as to why she’s not here. There’s no reason why she shouldn’t be here today,” said Chyell’s mother, Chelsie King.

According to King, the prom after-party shooting is still being investigated by the GBI. On the night of the shooting, one teen was arrested and charged in connection to the shooting, but King believes others were involved.

“That’s what we are also seeking, that those guys turn themselves in and more people speak up. One person should not be held accountable. Everybody that was shooting should be held responsible. Four kids got shot that night,” continued King.

Since Chyell’s death, there have been a string of shootings in Ben Hill County. Residents participated in the walk to bring awareness to the community’s gun violence problem.

“We gotta come together as a community to stop this, to end this. Today it’s this child, tomorrow it could be yours,” said family friend, Megan Davis.

Chelsie King said the last year without her daughter has been very hard, but she gets through each day by remembering the incredible young woman her daughter was.

King said, “Her character, throughout everything... Who she was, it makes me feel good as a parent to know that I did the right thing with her. From Honor Roll to cheerleading and everything else she was doing — I’m proud of her.”

Now, almost one year later, Chelsie King said if her daughter was still alive, she would be getting ready to attend her prom tonight. That painful memory is why the family says they will continue to honor Chyell Paulk’s legacy.

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