Twelve-year-old Ciara Meyer of Duncannon, Pennsylvania, died on January 11, 2016, after being struck by a single bullet during an eviction dispute at her home. Her father, Donald Meyer, was engaged in a confrontation with Constable Clark Steele, who was serving eviction papers. Reports state Donald Meyer pointed a loaded rifle at Steele; the constable fired once in response. The bullet passed through Donald Meyer’s arm and then struck Ciara, who was standing behind him. An autopsy confirmed the gunshot wound to the chest as the cause of death and the death was ruled a homicide.

Ciara’s family publicly expressed sympathy for Constable Steele, saying they did not blame him and acknowledging he could not have known the situation he was entering. Donald Meyer was charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and other counts; he was later convicted of third-degree murder and aggravated assault in connection with Ciara’s death and faced additional firearms-related charges. The community held a vigil, a GoFundMe was created to help with funeral expenses and to establish a scholarship in Ciara’s name for students affected by domestic violence and mental illness.

If anyone knew Ciara or has information about the day of the eviction, please share what can help preserve her memory and clarify what happened.