DaNija Lashae Marie Nija was 14 when she was fatally shot in her bedroom in Rutledge, West Virginia, on August 15, 2021. The shooting was not described as random; it followed the reckless handling of a firearm by someone she knew. Reports say the teenager identified as Chrishaun Coller had been playing with the gun in the woods near DaNija earlier and was reportedly messing around with it in the moments before the fatal shot.

Legal proceedings followed in Kanawha County Circuit Court. Coller was charged and later sentenced to 11 years in jail after convictions for involuntary manslaughter and wanton endangerment. At sentencing the court heard testimony from DaNija’s mother, who questioned whether the shooting was accidental, and Coller apologized, saying he never intended the outcome. The judge noted the finality of DaNija’s life compared with the future still available to Coller.

If anyone knew DaNija or has information about the events leading up to August 15, 2021, please share what you remember.