LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Lexington Police have opened up 32 homicide investigations so far in 2020.
The most recent happened in the early hours of Sunday morning along Payne Street.
Madilyn Grisham was just 20 years old when she was shot and killed. Her shooter is still at-large. Grisham's best friend, Morgan Stinnett, says she first found out when Grisham's mother reached out to her.
"I don't know where I would be, or who I would be, without her because I've had her my whole life," said Stinnett.
For more than 15 years, the two were inseparable. Stinnett says they first met during Kindergarten orientation.
"I remember meeting her in the cafeteria, and we instantly...I knew that she was going to be my best friend," said Stinnett.
They remained best friends as they attended Morton Middle School, Lafayette High School, and enrolled at the University of Kentucky.
"We cheered together, we did track together, we were gonna travel to Europe this summer together," said Stinnett.
Even though the years passed, the two stayed attached at the hip. They enjoyed hanging out at each other's homes, shopping, and traveling.
Stinnett says she last saw Grisham before Thanksgiving during a sleepover.
"I just remember going to bed, and her going, 'thank you for being my best friend,'" said Stinnett.
Just days later, Stinnett's best friend was gone.
"It's just strange to think, like, I won't have her to talk to. Or to go on vacation. Because she was always there," said Stinnett.
For the past day, Stinnett has printed off dozens of pictures for a scrapbook she's keeping.
"But that was hard because I have pictures of us from 5 years old up until now," said Stinnett.
Stinnett says Grisham had an unforgettable smile that lit up a room and for everyone she met, she made their lives a little brighter.
"I just want people to know how much of an impact she's made on my life, I guess, because honestly, I don't know where I would be, or who I would be without her because I've had her my whole life," said Stinnett. "So many people have messaged me and told me memories that they had. And I just know that they probably, she impacted them the same way that she impacted me, which makes me happy. But sad, because she's gone."
There is a fundto help the family with funeral expenses. Arrangements have not been set at this time.
Grisham was one of three people who were shot on Sunday morning. The two other victims suffered critical injuries. No one has been arrested in the shooting.
If you have any information, contact Lexington Police.
