A 24-year-old woman who was hit by a stray bullet in Buckeye Sunday afternoon has died.
Authorities responded to a desert area near Miller Road and Tonopah-Salome Highway after receiving reports of a shooting.
Buckeye police say Kami Gilstrap had been shot in the chest by a stray bullet.
According to police, Gilstrap was in the desert area with her family when she was hit by the bullet.
She was taken by helicopter to a hospital where she later died from her injuries.
The family issued this statement:
"We are shocked and devastated at the passing of our beloved wife, daughter, and friend. We thank everyone who has reached out in love to share their condolences. They are much appreciated. We have set up a GoFundMe that will benefit the widower as he incurs final expenses and beyond. Please give to that as you are lead and are able. As we seek answers both from God and from the open investigation into the events of this past Sunday, we ask for privacy as we grieve together.
-Gilstrap and Bussert Families."
Police say a suspect, in this case, has not been identified at this time as the case remains under investigation.
"The scary thing is the inexperienced shooters that don't pay attention to what their backdrop is or what they are shooting against," said Det. Tamela Skaggs with Buckeye Police.
"Sometimes our vehicles are not capable of getting to all of these areas where these people are actually shooting," said Det. Skaggs. "Clearly this unfortunate incident will raise some concerns and maybe things that need to be changed."
Police said in a statement:
"The area of this incident is a popular area for recreational shooting with hundreds of people shooting in this area at the time of this incident."
Jaime Rubio said he comes to the target shooting range about twice a month because it's "good bonding time with my kids, good pastime, stress reliever."
"The death makes you feel just a little more cautious about the people who are next to you," said Rubio.
The Bureau of Land Management issued this statement regarding the area where the shooting occurs:
"The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is working closely with local authorities investigating the tragic fatality near Miller Road in Buckeye this weekend. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Ms. Gilstrap. Our top priority is always safety for the sportsmen and families who use public lands. We are pursuing a temporary closure of the area to ensure public safety and address damage to telecommunications infrastructure."
