15-Year-Old Girl Found Dead With Gunshot Wounds At Her Favorite Park

A search is underway for the killer responsible for the death of a 15-year-old girl in Texas. The body of the young track star was found at a Baytown park on Tuesday morning.

Sterling High School sophomore, Jania Tatum-Scott, was found dead in an open field at Tejas Park in the 500 block of Hafer Avenue. The teen suffered fatal gunshot wounds, according to PEOPLE.

Authorities found her body at around 8:15 a.m. after a passerby noticed the corpse and raised an alarm. It is unclear when exactly the teenager lost her life in the tragic incident. Her mother, Angie Tatum, spoke to NBC affiliate KPRC 2 and revealed that her body was found on Dec. 28. The mother also said that the park, which is right across the street from her apartment, was one of Jania’s favorite places.

Jania was described by her mother as an outgoing teenager, loved by many. She also said the teenager was outstanding in track and field; she has even brought home medals after participating in the high jump.

“It runs in the family,” her uncle, Billy Snell, said. “She definitely was running track and very well at it.”

Snell said the family does not know how Jania left the house before the shooting incident. He and Jania's mother last saw the teenager Monday at around 11:00 p.m., the uncle revealed.

“I did not see her leave. We have cameras,” he said. “The cameras did not catch her leaving. We don’t even know how she got out of the house, honestly. It is mind-blowing and baffling at this moment.”

The family is preparing to hold Jania’s funeral on Jan. 8 at 1 p.m. at Word of Faith Family Christian Center.

The investigation into her death continues, and no one has been arrested so far.

"The Officers and Detectives are actively investigating this case and will work to ensure that the offender is brought to justice,” Baytown Police Chief John Stringer said in a statement. “We will partner with our citizens and area law enforcement to ensure this crime is resolved, and we advocate for the victim.”

Jania’s family created a GoFundMe page after her death to help offset funeral expenses.

“Jania was a Sophomore at Sterling High School in Baytown Tx,” read the message on the fundraising page. “She had many friends and she was loved by everyone including her teachers, coaches and the admin staff. This has devastated my family and the city of Baytown. I would greatly appreciate anything you can donate.”