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Baltimore Teen Laid To Rest After Accidental Shooting

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A Baltimore teen is laid to rest one week after she is accidentally shot by friends.

Weijia Jiang has more on the emotional goodbye, and the questions that still remain.

Baltimore's Southern Baptist Church was filled Saturday with love for Monae Turnage.

Hundreds waited in line to say goodbye at the 13-year-old's funeral, including the lieutenant governor and mayor.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out during this time of mourning," said Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown.

It was a life ripped away too soon. So young, Turnage was buried with her stuffed animals.

Police say two boys--aged 12 and 13--accidentally shot Turnage last weekend. They were playing with a rifle.

"I'm a big person but I'm a very emotional person because it could have been my child," said Deacon James McIntyre.

"It's certainly a tragedy and sad day, I know for the family but for the city as well," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Sad for Baltimore in part because of the baffling circumstances surrounding Turnage's death, and the public's demand for answers.

Police say the boys hid Turnage's body in an alley. And in the most stunning twist, the gun used ended up inside an off-duty city police officer's car. He was reportedly dating one of the suspects' relatives.

Investigators are still working out a timeline.

"Once we figure that out, if there is criminal wrongdoing, we're going to hold people accountable, you can be certain of that," said Baltimore Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.

Until then, Turnage's tight-knit church community turns to faith for comfort. Close friend April Deal says there are no words to express her pain.

"Very indescribable. We just can't believe how tragic this death was. She was only 13. She didn't have to go out that way," Deal said.

The officer linked to the gun has been suspended as this investigation continues. It's important to note he has not been charged with any crime.

Both boys in the case have been charged with involuntary manslaughter as juveniles.

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