by GRANDVIEW, Missouri — A “normal” teenage sleepover turned tragic earlier this month when a 16-year-old girl was fatally shot in the throat while fixing her friend’s hair, authorities said. Prosecutors have charged 21-year-old Bailey Lewis with second-degree felony murder in connection with the killing.
The victim, Traelynn Sibley, a student at Grandview High School, was just days away from starting her junior year when the shooting occurred at a home in the 3600 block of Norton Avenue on August 9, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Alleged Motive and Circumstances
Investigators say Lewis was targeting someone else inside the residence, stemming from a prior dispute. Prosecutors indicated the conflict involved a falling out over a theft accusation and a previous altercation where the intended target was “jumped” at a gas station months earlier.
Kansas City Police Detective David Adair described the scene in Lewis’ probable cause affidavit:
“The general spacing of the casings seemed to indicate the person(s) firing the shots were in motion southbound … as they were firing. The home itself and a red Mazda in the driveway were struck numerous times by gunfire. The home had bullet damage/fragments inside and outside and a large amount of apparent blood leading from the living room to the bathroom area.”
According to authorities, Sibleynn was fixing a friend’s hair at a vanity near the front door when the gunfire began. She ran to the bathroom after being struck in the throat, where she collapsed.
A toddler was also present in the home at the time. Detectives interviewed multiple witnesses who all recounted similar accounts of the chaotic shooting, describing it as a sudden and violent interruption to an otherwise normal evening.
Sequence of Events
Lewis allegedly arrived in a 2025 Hyundai Elantra and opened fire on the residence. Surveillance video reportedly captured her car leaving and returning from the scene. Investigators also linked Lewis to another shooting at an apartment building roughly 15 minutes earlier, suggesting a potential spree or connected incidents.
“It should be noted the drive time via Google Maps is between 11-18 minutes from location to location depending on the route you take,” the affidavit states. “This drive time aligned with the approximate time frame between the incidents if a car fired shots into [the apartment complex] and then drove straight to [the former friend’s home].”
Detectives further alleged that Lewis’ social media activity linked her to the former acquaintance inside the home, supporting their identification of her as the suspect.
Legal Charges and Bond
In addition to second-degree felony murder, Lewis faces multiple counts of accessory to armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon, prosecutors confirmed Friday. She is being held at the Jackson County Detention Center on a $400,000 bond.
Authorities have not released additional details about arrests or charges related to the other potential victims or the earlier apartment shooting, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Read Also: Ohio Man Accused of Killing 2-Year-Old Captured in Massachusetts After 5 Years on the Run
Community Impact
The shooting has shocked the Grandview community. Friends and classmates of Sibleynn describe her as a bright and kind teenager, and the tragic loss has left her peers and family grappling with grief.
“It’s just devastating,” said one neighbor who asked to remain anonymous. “You never think something like this could happen during a sleepover. She was just a normal kid hanging out with friends.”
School officials announced counseling services for students affected by the tragedy, and the police department emphasized that residents should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Broader Concerns Over Youth Violence
The incident is a stark reminder of how personal disputes and firearm access can quickly escalate into fatal outcomes, especially among young adults. Experts note that disputes involving former acquaintances or social media conflicts are increasingly linked to violent confrontations in communities nationwide.
According to the CDC, firearm-related deaths remain a leading cause of injury among U.S. teenagers, highlighting ongoing concerns about gun safety and youth access to firearms.
The case continues to unfold as prosecutors and law enforcement gather additional evidence. Authorities urge anyone with information about Lewis or the incidents connected to the shootings to contact the Jackson County Police Department.
What do you think of this case, You can share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
