Mystery as high school band member aged just 17 is shot dead while she slept in her apartment

A teenage high school student has been mysteriously shot and killed in her sleep.

Rhiana Kemplin, 17, was a student at Agua Fria High School in Avondale, 17 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona.

Police said they found her critically injured inside a Rio Santa Fe apartment complex just before 6.30am on November 8, Arizona’s Family reported.

Kemplin was rushed to the hospital where she later died.

The circumstances around the high school senior’s death have not yet been determined.

Police have offered limited information about the moments leading up to the teen’s death. It is unclear whether a dispute in her home led to gunfire or who else was home at the time.

Kemplin lived in the Rio Santa Fe Apartment complex with her mother, and was a band member at her high school.

Investigators interviewed a person of interest at the scene. They were detained but are being held on unrelated charges.

No arrests have been made and no suspects have been named in conjunction with Kemplin’s death.

Rhiana Kemplin was shot and killed in her home in the early morning hours of November 8

Police arrived at the Avondale, Arizona apartment complex to find the victim in critical condition

Kemplin’s community in Avondale came together to honor her life.

In a GoFundMe page created by her mother Natasha Flores, Kemplin was described as ‘a beautiful soul inside and out.’

‘She was smart beyond years, talented with music and makeup and had the biggest heart. The most loyal friend. She protected all those around her and was incredibly witty not to mention funny,’ Flores wrote.

Flores said her daughter was ‘tragically and senselessly’ killed.

According to the tribute, Kemplin was passionate about makeup and music. She had plans to attend cosmetology school after her graduation.

She even dreamed on playing in the band at Arizona State University.

Kemplin’s high school issued a statement to Arizona’s Family, addressing their student’s death.

‘Our current focus is on supporting our students, staff, and the Agua Fria High School community as they process this heartbreaking loss,’ a spokesperson told the outlet.

‘The school community is coming together to honor Rhiana’s memory in ways that reflect her positive impact as a student and as a member of the Band of Owls.’

Kemplin’s loved ones remembered her as a loyal friend and ‘smart beyond her years

Students at Agua Fresca High School gathered at a makeshift memorial to mourn her death

The high school also announced Kemplin’s death on social media Monday.

‘The school will offer extra support services for students and staff in the library with our counseling staff. Students, please don’t hesitate to ask for help if you are struggling,’ they wrote.

A makeshift memorial was reportedly set up by Kemplin’s loved ones at the entrance of the high school.

12News reported that students, parents, and teachers gathered to sit in silence, bring flowers, and honor Kemplin’s memory.

Friends described her as ‘the sunlight in every dim room.’