Ahliana Dickey’s middle school graduation day was meant to mark a bright milestone in her young life. But for her family, it became a horrifying turning point. A joyous celebration spiraled into tragedy, leaving a community shattered and a family clinging to hope for answers.
The city of Lowell is mourning the tragic loss of 15-year-old Ahliana Dickey, who was found dead in her Lawrence Street home after failing to show up for her eighth-grade graduation. The horrific incident has led to the arrest of 21-year-old Trevor Bady, who is facing multiple charges, including murder and armed home invasion.
Ahliana was supposed to attend her middle school graduation on June 14, 2024. When she did not appear at the ceremony, her concerned family went to her home to check on her.
It was there, at approximately 6:10 p.m., that her grandmother discovered Ahliana’s lifeless body on the floor of a first-floor bedroom, riddled with gunshot wounds. Multiple shell casings were found nearby, painting a grim picture of the final moments of the young girl’s life.
Trevor, a resident of Tewksbury, has been identified as the perpetrator. Authorities allege that Trevor shot Ahliana in her home shortly after midnight on June 14. Trevor, who had a documented history of abusive behavior towards Ahliana, was arrested at a residence in Peabody without incident on June 17.
He has been charged with murder, armed home invasion, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, use of a firearm while committing a felony, and discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a building.
Ahliana and Trevor were reportedly in an abusive relationship. Witnesses and investigators revealed that Trevor had physically assaulted and threatened her multiple times in the past. Just two days before her death, Ahliana confided in someone that Trevor had threatened to kill her and her grandmother and that he planned to “shoot up her house.”
On the night of June 14, shortly after midnight, police received a call from a neighbor reporting a loud altercation between a man and a woman on Lawrence Street.The caller reported hearing a female scream, “Get off me; get away from me. I don’t want to be with you anymore,” followed by the sound of gunshots. Despite responding to the scene, police were unable to locate the fighting couple at that time.
Surveillance footage later showed Trevor leaving Ahliana’s home just after midnight, confirming his presence at the scene. Upon arrival at the crime scene, investigators found Ahliana with multiple gunshot wounds. The details of the scene were harrowing, with clear signs of a struggle.
Shell casings littered the bedroom floor, and evidence suggested a violent confrontation had taken place. The disturbing discovery left the family and community in shock, struggling to comprehend the brutal end of a promising young life.
Ahliana is remembered as a bright and positive individual, loved by her friends and family. Skyla Guthrie, a friend from Lowell, described her as an inspirational figure who always lifted the spirits of those around her.
“A positive person. Really positive person. If I’m down, she’ll bring me up. She wanted to do bright things in life,” Skyla shared, highlighting the void left by Ahliana’s untimely death.
Tracy Smith, Ahliana’s grandmother, expressed her anguish and anger, calling Trevor a “coward” and a “21-year-old monster” for his actions. Meanwhile, Takara, Ahliana’s cousin expressed, “I’m her oldest cousin. I love her so much. This really took a toll on me and my family.”
Trevor appeared in Lowell District Court on June 18 and was held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 30. The investigation is ongoing, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Lowell Police, and Massachusetts State Police Detectives.The family has reached out to the community for support, both financial and emotional, during this difficult time. In the wake of this tragedy, Ahliana’s parents, Scott Dickey and Stephanie Wetherbee, have organized a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her funeral expenses and to seek justice for their daughter.
As of June 21, the campaign has raised $13,579 of its $20,000 goal. The GoFundMe page reads:
“Unfortunately, we have faced the worst fear in our lives. One of our children was brutally taken from us — our beautiful daughter, Ahliana Dickey. Only 15 years old, a beautiful young lady who had the most beautiful soul. I can’t believe we have to stomach this and bring our minds to write something like this. Our family is hurting during this horrible tragedy. No parent should have to bury their kid.”
“We are reaching out for any help; anything at all means a lot! Even just one dollar from anyone, and if not, please share our baby girl’s tragedy and get JUSTICE for our daughter!! Ahliana deserves JUSTICE!! We thank you in advance, prayers for our family, please, for strength!! And that this monster, this coward, is found immediately. Please, anything helps our family,” concluded the devastated parents’ plea on the online fundraising page.
In addition to the fundraiser, Ahliana’s mother, Stephanie, took to Facebook to express her sorrow and plea for justice. She wrote:
“Our hearts hurt beyond measure… our worst fear of losing one of our children happened — our oldest beautiful daughter, Ahliana, only 15 years old. A young, beautiful lady with the brightest smile, she has been brutally taken from all of us, and this is unbelievable… but it is our reality as much as we can’t stomach this tragedy that has happened.”
“Our baby girl needs JUSTICE, so we ask you to please take a moment and share — please share, share, share!! And anything helps our family in this difficult time, we appreciate it. Please just even share [sic]!!!!” penned the heartbroken mother.
The emotional outpouring from Ahliana’s family underscores the profound impact of her loss and their determination to see justice served. The community of Lowell stands with them, united in grief and the pursuit of justice for the young girl.
Comments left on Stephanie’s Facebook post reflect the community’s deep empathy and support.
“I am so so so sorry for your loss Scotty and Steph! Sending you all the love and prayers!” one person wrote.
“Truly sorry for this tragic loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time,” another commented.
“I’m so sorry Stephanie Wetherbee. I know it’s hard losing someone, and if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here,” penned a third.
“I am so sorry; this is beyond horrible and unimaginable. My heart breaks for you all. Praying for your family,” expressed a fourth.
“My heart sank when I saw that beautiful girl was your daughter. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family during this journey. I hope they find justice for your baby!!” added another.
“I’m so sorry for this tragedy. I pray that God wraps his loving arms around you and your family,” shared someone else.
“I cannot imagine the depth of this kind of loss. I am so so sorry,” said a different user.
“My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your loss. She was way too young to go. She had a whole life ahead of her,” noted yet another.
As the investigation continues, the community of Lowell remains shaken by the senseless act that took the life of a promising young girl on the brink of her high school journey.
Our deepest condolences go out to the grieving family. Please remember young Ahliana and her family in your heartfelt prayers.
Below is another poignant story showcasing a family’s heartbreak and their desperate plea for help:
