TEMPLE, Texas — The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation has announced that 16-year-old Gabbriana Boyster of Jefferson County, Missouri, will be memorialized through the Foundation’s Trees for Peace initiative following her death.
The Foundation plans to dedicate a memorial tree in Gabbriana’s honor within Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest as a lasting tribute to her life. The dedication is intended to recognize the impact of youth violence and provide a place for reflection and remembrance.
Gabbriana died after being found with a fatal gunshot wound near Hillsboro, Missouri. Authorities have charged three juveniles in connection with the case, which remains under investigation.
“Every child whose life is lost to violence deserves to be remembered,” said Daniel Chapin, Founder and President of the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation. “Our Trees for Peace initiative ensures that young victims are honored in a meaningful and lasting way. We hope this memorial will serve as a place of remembrance while reinforcing the importance of protecting our children and preventing future acts of violence.”
The Foundation extends its condolences to Gabbriana’s family, friends, classmates, educators, and the Hillsboro community during this difficult time.
Trees for Peace is a national memorial program established by the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation to honor children and young people whose lives have been lost to violence. Memorial trees are dedicated as living tributes intended to preserve each victim’s memory while encouraging communities to work toward safer futures.
The Foundation, formed after the 2022 mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas noted Friday, that it will provide additional information regarding the memorial dedication as plans are finalized.