Teen shot to death in Carroll County had just picked up cap and gown ahead of graduation

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — Family and friends are mourning the loss of a teen killed while doing target practice with friends behind a home in Carroll County.

Candace Chrazan was getting ready to graduate high school.

Channel 2′s Tom Regan was at Mt. Zion High School, where grief counselors were available to students on Thursday.

The school district released a statement saying they are deeply saddened about the loss of a promising student.

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“We have a 17-year-old who lost her life and was going to graduate from high school. So it’s really hit home for our community,” officials said.

Chrazan was shot to death apparently by accident late Tuesday afternoon. Investigators said she was at a friend’s home on Bowden-Junction Road in a rural part of the county.

Ashley Husley with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office said the teens have been cooperating with the sheriff’s office.

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“It was just couple of friends out in the back yard, from what we have been told, possibly doing target practice with a pistol,” Husley said. “The kids probably haven’t been taught the gun safety rules they should have been taught. And ultimately it resulted in Candace’s death.”

Investigators have not disclosed who fired the shot that killed the teen or who owned the handgun.

“She had just picked up her cap and gown this week and was getting ready for those festivities all seniors look forward to,” Husley said. “So it’s a very heartbreaking time. We just everyone to keep her and her family in their prayers and thoughts, as well as the students who returned back to school today without her.”

The District Attorney is working with sheriff’s investigators to determine if any criminal charges are warranted.

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