GILBERT — The Gilbert Police Department is investigating the death of a 19-year-old woman who was shot inside of her apartment by an unknown person early Saturday morning.
Police say Rachel Hansen called from the area of San Tan Village Parkway and Ray Road around 2 a.m., saying she was shot.
Hansen was taken to the hospital with a single gunshot wound, according to police. She later died at the hospital.
GPD Investigation:
— Gilbert Police Dept. (@GilbertPolice) June 5, 2022
On June 04, 2022, at around 2:00 AM, the Gilbert Police Department received a 911 call from a female caller who advised she had been shot by an unknown person inside her apartment near San Tan Village Parkway and Ray Road. pic.twitter.com/BEk7FKaQDb
Hayden Smith, a close friend of Rachel Hansen tells ABC15, “I don't know why someone would choose her? Especially someone so young that had their life ahead of them.”
"I'm still trying to wrap my head around it,” says Smith. “I don't want to accept it.”
Rachel’s friend of several years, Smith was one of the last people to speak with her. Smith tells ABC15 she has been in direct contact with detectives about her friend’s death.
ABC15 Reporter Christine Stanwood asks: "Hayden, do you think that she was targeted?"
Smith replied: "I do. 100%."
Stanwood: "Why do you think anybody would do this to her?"
Smith: "I don't have a ‘why’."
Gilbert police say, identifying a potential motive in this shooting is part of their ongoing investigation.
"You always hear about it happening to other people and you never you know you never think it's gonna happen to you until it does,” Smith says.
Rachel’s family are planning a balloon release in her honor this week. An online memorial fundraiser has also been created.
Anyone with information can call the Gilbert Police Department at (480) 503-6500 or submit information through the department's Submit A Tip portal.
