ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, Va.— The Selby family said their world crumbled when they learned 18-year-old Aonesty was found dead in Isle of Wight County.
The Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office said Aonesty "was found in the 13000 Block of Blue Ridge Trail, in Isle of Wight County, just outside of the town of Windsor."
There aren't many answers about what exactly happened, but Aonesty's aunt Ebony Selby said she is still processing the shock of what happened and described the hole in her heart.
"Just her being here. I'm just going to miss her period," Ebony said. "She's just supposed to be here."
Aonesty just celebrated her 18th birthday Tuesday, the day before her disappearance.
Now, her aunt is preparing for a funeral.
"We're just so confused as to how this could have happened, but I think it's just more sadness at this point," said Ebony.
In a previous interview this weekend, Ebony told News 3's Kelsey Jones she, along with Aonesty's parents found her body in Isle of Wight County. Monday police called her saying that the suspicious death was ruled as a homicide. Aonesty died from a single gunshot wound.
"I want to know the train of events, I need to know," Ebony said. "I feel so desperately in need of knowing what happened."
Aonesty was senior at Warhill High School, Principal Michele Newcomb said in a message to families. She was looking forward to graduating this June with big dreams of becoming a cosmetologist.
Here's the full message from Newcomb.
Dear Warhill families,
It is with a very heavy heart that I write this message. Aonesty Selby, a Warhill senior, tragically passed away. The circumstances of her death are still under investigation, but you and members of our community may hear details in news reports over the coming days.
Aonesty moved away from WJCC Schools when she was in 7th grade but rejoined us this school year. She was a quieter student with a close connection to her cousin. She was looking forward to graduating this June and she died far too young. Please join me in keeping Aonesty’s family and friends in your thoughts.
When we return to school on Tuesday, school counselors will be available to support students processing this information.
Even as our students grow, mature, and approach adulthood, the death of a peer is unimaginably tragic and can often have an impact on friends and classmates. Please consider sharing this news with your child this weekend. It is extremely important for children to have an opportunity to talk through their feelings and reactions with a trusted adult.
We are here to help your family through this unexpected news. Please reach out if there is any way we can support you.
Respectfully,
Michele Newcomb
"She was just a person that everyone could get along with because she didn't hold any judgment towards anyone or any kind of crazy expectations, she was just a good person to easily get along with people," said Ebony said.
The original missing person's notice showed Aoensty may have been with two men, but Ebony said she was not familiar with those people.
"I think they were friends, only because they use to talk, you know, all these kids like FaceTime," said Selby.
The Selby family is now trying to push through the pain. They've created a GoFundMe to help raise money for Aonesty's funeral.
"$12,000 is the goal so everything nice can be beautifully done and it's out there. We would really love for people to donate if they can" said Ebony.
In addition, police are asking anyone with information about the incident and or Aonesty's whereabouts from Jan. 11 through January 13 to contact the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
