FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — A teenager told Franklin police he didn't know a gun was loaded after the deadly shooting of a teen girl during Memorial Day weekend.
The girl who died was identified as Lily Basil, according to the arrest affidavit. Per a meal train page for her family, Basil had just graduated from Page High School. Matthew Roufail, 18, is charged with criminal homicide. The bullet hit her shoulder.
Roufail admitted to shooting Basil with what he believed was a .22 caliber rifle. The gun was retrieved from a trunk where both Basil and Roufail gathered.
Two people tried to rush Basil to the hospital. However, she later died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Police took Roufail in for questioning after they found him at Williamson Medical Center, where he thought Basil was being taken for treatment.
Roufail's first court date is set for June 8.
How the Page community is responding
Basil's memorial service has been set along with a campaign to remember her.
"Lily was a light," said Katie Hill, the Page High School principal. "She was kind, sweet and extremely respectful. Her smile lit up every room she entered. Though she was newer to the Page community, she quickly embraced the Patriot spirit and was a friend to everyone she met. Page faculty, staff and students will dearly miss Lily, and we are committed to honoring her memory by sharing her light."
Basil's funeral is at Rolling Hills Church on May 31 at 11:30 a.m.
In addition, Page High School is inviting everyone in the community to participate in a "Light the Night Memorial: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Lily Basil" that same night at sunset.
School leaders said the community can honor her by lighting a candle, a luminary or by turning on a porch light that evening.
Page High School has communicated with students and staff to let them know that counselors are available this week for anyone who may need them for support.
Community members, like Lisa Welsh is already planning to participate, this Friday. "We’re honoring her and just the light she had within herself and what she could’ve shared with the rest of the world. Also, her family and friends that have been snuffed out," Welsh said.
Lily's death also come during a time the Williamson County community is already grieving the loss of Ellie Sims. FSU student Ellie Sims grew up in the Franklin community. Ellie was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Tallahassee. Neighbors in Franklin have placed blue bows outside in her honor.
How to help the Basil family
The Franklin and Page community are trying to help the Basil family after the loss of their daughter.
A meal train has been put in place for those who want to help.
You can find that link here.
Fostering Hope provides Christmas for kids in foster care. I'm delighted to see Fostering Hope expand this year to expand their reach to now include kids in Foster care in metro AND foster kids in East TN hard hit by Helene.
-Bree Smith
