CINCINNATI, Ohio (WKRC) - Wednesday would have been the first day back to school for a 17-year-old high school student, but Aurora McCarter was shot and killed earlier in August, allegedly by a 16-year-old.

A huge smile and big dimples were just of the few of the things that made McCarter stand out. Cincinnati Police Officer Phillip Penn is a school resource officer at Purcell Marian High School where McCarter would have been a senior.

"A couple of my officers we went in to do kind of what to do if you are stopped by the police, talk and we promoted our program of the summer cadet program, and, right away, Aurora showed interest in our program two summers ago," Penn said.

It's a summer job program where teens learn about law enforcement. They also do community service.

"Just a great young lady. Always had a smile," Penn said.

This was McCarter's second year, but in the middle of July after the program took a one-week break, McCarter didn't come back. She was listed as missing and a runaway on the Ohio Attorney General's website.

"I get that question a lot by a lot of my staff about why was she missing. 'Why was she a runaway?' And I honestly cannot tell you what was going on in her home," Penn said.

This is the fourth student from Purcell Marian to be shot and killed.

Kelsie Crow was gunned down in 2015.

Gregory Thompson was shot and killed in 2018.

Eric Shields was murdered in the West End and had transferred from Purcell.

And now, McCarter.

Penn said, "Purcell Marian has been hit hard. It hard for years in a row."

There are still questions, but what's clear the night that she died is that McCarter was not the intended target. Penn says she was with her boyfriend and another teen. A 16-year-old allegedly shot into a car, killing Aurora.

What left is pain and thoughts of what Aurora could've been had she lived.

"I can’t say enough about her. This was a total loss because this one hit our unit hard," Penn said.

McCarter's mother released the following statement:

"The funeral services for Aurora McCarter will be held this Saturday, August 29, 2020 at New Prospect Baptist Church , located at 1580 Summit Rd, Cincinnati, Oh 45237.

Wake: 4:30pm

Service: 5:30om

There is also an memorial fund set up for Cadet Aurora McCarter at all Fifth Third Banks. If you would like to give to this memorial fund it will be under “Cadet Aurora McCarter Fund.”

Again, the family wishes to thank everyone for all of your prayers, texts, phone calls, cards and words of comfort. Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you,

The McCarter/Powell family"