PHOENIX — The Casa Grande annual Christmas Parade is a fun time for many. For one group though, it's bittersweet, filled with emotion many can't even describe.
"Tonight, all the cheerleaders and alumni cheerleaders are getting together to celebrate Hailey," said Alexis Williams, the aunt of 17-year-old Hailey Stephens, who was killed in a shooting that broke out after a fight during a party at a vacant house.
"It means so much," Williams continued. "She was so loved you can tell. It just makes me so happy everybody got to experience the Hailey we knew and loved."
Stephens was a senior at Casa Grande Union. Her family says she was always a ray of sunshine who made people laugh. They say she was smart, bubbly and an avid cheerleader.
"I think we're still in shock," said Williams. "It's been devastating. We wake up and just hope it was a nightmare (and) that it didn't happen."
Stephens was at a party on the night of Saturday, November 25th. Casa Grande police say a fight broke out and at one point shots were fired. Stephens and another 17-year-old were not involved in the fight but were hit by the bullets. Both were taken to a local hospital, where Stephens died.
"I felt like it was a dream," said Cougar Spirit Line Head Coach, Katie Kramer. "I couldn't believe what I was hearing, what I was reading and how shattered so many hearts would be. It's just a heavy feeling of grief and heartbreak."
Kramer says the past week has been difficult for those who knew Stephens. Saturday brought immense heartache because Stephens was supposed to walk in the holiday parade with her cheer squad. Instead, they chose to walk in her honor.
"She touched so many of us in different ways," said Kramer. "She was a cheerleader but also an academic leader, FFA, she was in NHS, she was a lifeguard. That girl though lived and breathed cheerleading so for us to come together as a program old and new, it just shows strength and something to be proud of."
Those who were close held pictures showing memories of Stephens' childhood. The group also held candles in her honor and walked behind a huge banner that had her picture on it.
"Tonight we're thinking about everyone who's witnessing us walking down the street, that we're celebrating her in her honor and memory as a cheerleader," said Kramer.
"Cheer was like a sisterhood to Hailey so this would mean a lot to her, it was her whole life," Williams said. "All of us getting together I know she would've wanted it this way. She would've wanted us to share laughs and memories together. I'll be thinking about Hailey's legacy she lived and all her accomplishments and I'm just so proud of who she was and all the wonderful things she did with her life."
Casa Grande Police have so far made nine arrests in the case. Two were made just hours before the parade began. Authorities say they arrested a 13-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy who were both booked on Felony Murder charges. Williams says they're grateful for the work police have done in the case, but that right now their focus is on their family and helping support each other.
"It's shocking, we didn't know this would happen to Hailey and I just want people to know to hug and love your loved ones," she said. "Because one day they won't be there. Always treat every moment with loved ones like it's your last. It's very devastating."
Authorities say the case is still very active and they continue to follow all leads. If you have any information in this case you're encouraged to reach out to the department. You can contact Detective Nicholas Elliott immediately at our non-emergency number at (520) 421-8700 #7 or email Nicholas_Elliott@casagrandeaz.gov.
Tips and information can also be submitted directly to Silent Witness Casa Grande AZ at www.casagrandesilentwitness.com, via the P3 App at www.p3tips.com, or by calling them at (520) 836-2100.
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