On what should have been a day of celebration, 15-year-old Aliana Dickie was tragically found shot to death in her Lowell, Massachusetts, home on Friday, June 14, 2024. The day marked her middle school graduation, an event she was eagerly anticipating. Her absence raised concerns, prompting her grandmother to check on her, only to make the horrifying discovery. Aliana had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, primarily to her neck and torso.
By Monday, following swift investigation, authorities apprehended the suspect: her 21-year-old ex-boyfriend, Trevor Batty. The case, replete with disturbing details, has shocked the community and ignited conversations about domestic violence and the vulnerability of young people in abusive relationships.
According to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, despite Aliana having just turned 15 in April, the two had been involved in a romantic relationship. However, their relationship was far from ordinary; it was characterized by abuse. Subsequent investigations unveiled a pattern of violence and control inflicted by Batty upon the young girl.
Aliana Dickie, a 15-year-old girl, tragically lost her life to a fatal shooting just days before her middle school graduation.
Chillingly, Aliana had confided in several individuals, disclosing the abuse she endured at the hands of Batty. She had bravely revealed the physical harm, including bruises and a bloody lip. She also shared the terrifying threats he made against her life, vowing to kill her, her grandmother, and even shoot up her house. These threats escalated to chilling pronouncements of kidnapping and ultimately taking her life.
The gravity of the situation was further underscored by a call received by the Lowell police around midnight on Thursday, June 13, 2024. The caller reported a heated argument between a male and a female, their voices echoing through the night. The female’s desperate pleas of “Get off me! Get away from me! I don’t want to be with you anymore!” were cut short by the chilling sound of gunshots.
Trevor Batty, 21, was arrested and charged with murder and other crimes in connection to the death of his ex-girlfriend, 15-year-old Aliana Dickie.
Adding to the mounting evidence, surveillance footage captured Aliana frantically running towards her home that fateful Friday morning, Batty in relentless pursuit. Eight gunshots pierced the air, a terrifying soundtrack to the unfolding tragedy. Moments later, the video showed Batty fleeing the scene, alone.
Law enforcement, working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect, tracked him down to a residence. It was later revealed that Batty had initially planned to stay at a motel but ultimately abandoned that idea. His attempt to escape through a back window as authorities closed in proved futile, and he was taken into custody.
Adding another layer to the investigation, details emerged about Batty’s movements immediately after the shooting. He had allegedly used a ride-sharing service to travel to Aliana’s residence on Lawn Street and then summoned the same driver for a return trip shortly after.
The driver, sensing something amiss, later contacted the police, expressing concern over Batty’s demeanor. The driver described Batty as visibly agitated, sweating profusely, and exhibiting signs of extreme nervousness. Batty’s unsettling comments about being “set up” and his insistence that he hadn’t fired any gun raised further suspicion.
His paranoia was evident in his actions. Batty used his sweatshirt as a barrier when opening the car door and requested the driver to wipe down the handle after he exited the vehicle, seemingly desperate to eliminate any trace of his presence. The driver was later able to positively identify Batty as the passenger.
Batty’s journey didn’t end there. The ride-sharing service dropped him off at the residence of his new girlfriend in New Hampshire. This crucial piece of information provided investigators with a clearer picture of the suspect’s movements and added weight to the mounting case against him.
On Tuesday, during his arraignment, Batty was formally charged with a slew of offenses, including murder, home invasion, and three gun-related charges. The judge ordered him to be held without bail, given the severity of the crimes and the potential risk he posed to the community. He entered a plea of not guilty. His next court appearance, a preliminary hearing, is scheduled for the end of July.
The tragic case has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many grappling with grief and searching for answers. Aliana’s parents, devastated by the loss of their daughter, have established a GoFundMe page in her memory, aiming to raise funds to cover the funeral expenses and provide some financial relief during this incredibly difficult time.
As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a young life brimming with potential, tragically cut short by an act of senseless violence. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the urgent need for awareness, intervention, and support for victims and their families.
