Rachel Pittman, 21, was shot and later died on December 25, 2014 in Eastman, Georgia. Early reports were unclear, but the Georgia Bureau of Investigation concluded she was with three friends when a handgun that the group believed to be unloaded was being passed around. The gun discharged while in Pittman’s possession, causing a wound that proved fatal; she died that evening at about 9:30 p.m.

Three people were arrested in connection with the incident. Timothy Harrell, 26, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and tampering with evidence. Matthew Rowland, 17, faced charges of leaving the scene and tampering with evidence. Virginia Wilkerson was charged with making a false report to law enforcement.

Rachel was remembered by friends as bright and outgoing.