Irving police said they charged a teen with murder in connection with the death of a Nimitz High School student Monday.[[305060731,C]]
A Nimitz High School sophomore, identified as 16-year-old Racheal Jean Wiest, died Monday evening at a home in the 300 block of East Sixth Street.
Police said Wiest met her ex-boyfriend, 17-year-old Jacob Lee Boyd, at a friend's house to discuss their relationship. They began to argue and Wiest tried to leave. Officers said that's when Boyd choked her until she stopped moving.
When the homeowner learned what happened, they called 911. Wiest was transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, where she was pronounced dead.
Boyd, who was taken into custody a short time later at the home, is currently in the Irving City Jail on a murder charge. His bond has been set at $1 million.
“We saw the boy standing at the door. He was crying. It looked like he was crying, then the police led him away in cuffs," said neighbor Kevin Morrow.
On Tuesday evening, Wiest's family released the following statement:
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The events in the last twenty-four hours have been shocking and devastating for both families involved. We ask at this time that you please allow all parties involved the time they need to grieve this enormous loss. We are still in shock and disbelief at losing such a beautiful, young life.
Wiest's family has set up a memorial fund to help pay for Racheal's funeral expenses. To donate, CLICK HERE.
Family and friends will hold a balloon release ceremony at Nimitz High School, Saturday at 6 p.m., followed by a fundraiser for Wiest's memorial services at Aspen Creek restaurant in Irving.
Grief counselors were at Nimitz on Tuesday for students.
"We are all shocked, we are all saddened, we are all heartbroken," said Dr. Jose Parra, Irving ISD Superintendent.
NBC 5's Kevin Cokely contributed to this report.
