Who Is Charlotte Zaremba? Maryland Girl Killed By Teenager Who Later Turned Gun On Himself

Charlotte Zaremba, a 16-year-old Maryland girl, was killed early New Year's Day after a teenager fired shots at her and also injured her mother. The alleged 15-year-old attacker is in critical condition from an apparent suicide attempt after shooting the girl and her mother in their home, People confirmed.

According to a Howard County police statement, the boy shot and wounded the mother, 52-year-old Suzanne Zaremba, after she went to her daughter's room after hearing a "scuffle." The suspect, who was not identified by police because of his age, shot himself after fatally shooting the girl and injuring her mother with a gunshot wound. Another family member in the home at the time of the shooting was not injured, police reportedly said.

The suspect was later taken to the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Shock Trauma Center, where he remains in critical condition, police reportedly said.

Detectives "are consulting with medical professionals" about his condition and "gathering additional investigative details" as of Monday. “It is unclear if he had any connection to the victims,” according to the statement. The motive of the shooting incident also remains unclear.

Charlotte's mother was treated for a non-life threatening injury and released from hospital Monday.

While there is little known about the suspect, the teenage victim has been identified as a 10th grader at Howard High School. Nick Novak, the principal of the school, said in a letter to the school’s families that Charlotte’s classmates were alerted to the “sad news” Monday.

“During guided discussions as needed, our teachers will help students talk about their feelings and reactions and identifying coping resources at school and in the community,” Novak wrote. Isabella Kushner, a friend of the victim, reportedly said that Charlotte "was just really sweet, and a good friend... The entire community of Howard County is just trying to support everybody, and her family.”