Roxanne Roxy Alexandra Shipman was 19 when she was fatally wounded by a gunshot at her Norwich, New York, home on December 1, 2016. Described as a friendly, outdoors-loving young woman who worked at Bill’s Diner and cared for animals, she was well known in her community for her bright smile and warm presence.

The shooting was initially reported as accidental but prompted a criminal investigation. Authorities charged 25-year-old James M. Maricle, identified as her boyfriend, after investigators concluded he had negligently fired a rifle and was in violation of a court order prohibiting him from possessing firearms. Maricle faced criminally negligent homicide (class E felony) and criminal contempt (class A misdemeanor). He later admitted he had negligently discharged the rifle that caused Roxanne’s death. The judge sentenced Maricle to one year in the county jail, to run concurrently on both counts, and ordered restitution for funeral expenses. Roxanne’s family publicly said the sentence fell short of their expectations.

If anyone knew Roxanne or has information about her life in Norwich, please share any memories or details that might help keep her story alive.