There has been a development in the ongoing investigation over the tragic shooting of two lesbian Latina teens who were shot in the head in Texas.
Portland, Texas police worked with an eyewitness to sketch an image of the suspect who is described as an Anglo male in his 20′s, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 140 pounds, with a thin build and brown hair.
Mollie Olgin, 19, was killed in the attack, while Kristene Chapa, 18, continues to recover in a local hospital.
Family and friends of the girls confirmed that they were in a relationship and police have not said they have evidence to conclude the attack was a hate crime nor have they ruled it out.
“I don’t want to say the wrong thing because my sister has always been private,” said Kristene’s brother, Hilario Chapa. “She is a lesbian and she’s getting a lot of support from the gay and lesbian community. I’m proud of my sister. I have no problem with it and our family doesn’t either.”
A national groundswell of support came to life as news spread of the tragedy which had befallen the teens and memorials and vigils sprang up around the country.
While prayers and wishes of a speedy recovery were said for Chapa, Olgin was remembered by those close to her.
“The last time I was with Mollie was late at night in a Walmart and she kept telling me she wanted to have kids one day and she was telling me about Kristene,” said Shelby Kaye Forward, 18, her friend of more than eight years. “It’s the first time I’ve seen her so excited about being in a relationship.”
A WePay donation page, created to help pay for Chapa’s medical bills has raised more than $30,000.
A statement by the Portland police department concluded with “persons who believe they may know the identity of this suspect are urged to call the police department at (361) 777-4444. Reports may be made anonymously.”
