A 15-year-old girl from Utah was allegedly shot in the head at point-blank range by her 16-year-old boyfriend.

Chanelle Alvarez was reportedly killed by Hezekiah Plummer, 16, in the early hours of Saturday, October 18, local time, according to police in Ogden, north of Salt Lake City. A family member discovered Chanelle dead in her bedroom after being woken by the gunshot and saw Plummer fleeing via the stairway with a firearm in his hand, KSL reports.

Court records cited by the outlet say Plummer told the family member something about a "robbery" and mentioned another person whom "he claimed tried to rob them".

Plummer was arrested in a neighbouring county with over $4,000 (£3,000) cash and a small quantity of marijuana, according to Fox 13. Police reportedly said he had disposed of the firearm before his arrest. Chanelle's mum told authorities that Plummer turned up at the family's home at around 1am that morning, local outlets report.

The teenager has been charged with first-degree murder, obstruction of justice and theft of a firearm, according to KSL. He will reportedly be tried as an adult.

A GoFundMe page set up to help Alvarez's family with funeral costs said: "Our hearts are shattered as we share the absolutely heartbreaking loss of Chanelle. Her life was taken far too soon, at just 15 years old. It still doesn't feel real, and words can't begin to describe the pain we feel."

The tribute remembers her for her "beautiful and feisty spirit", "gracious smile" and "contagious laugh".

The family added: "We want to be clear that Chanelle's passing is the result of domestic violence -- something no child, no family, should ever have to endure. It's a pain that cuts deep, and our hope is that her story helps bring awareness and protection to others."

Chanelle was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Ogden, where she regularly attended summer camps, according to KUTV.

"She was an absolutely spectacular young woman - so much life," the church's pastor, Jeff Stephenson, told the channel. "Always had a smile on her face, every interaction I had with her. She was caring and compassionate towards other people, and just with curiosity towards life that was unmatched."

For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk.

Girl, 15, found dead in bedroom after being 'shot in head' by boyfriend, 16 - The Mirror