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VESTAL, N.Y. -- Community members are mourning the death of a 16-year-old Vestal girl. Police say Shelby Jenkins was choked to death Thursday at a home on Westland Road in Vestal.

Steven Lipka, 19, has been charged with her murder.

Jenkins was finishing up her junior year at BOCES Evertech where she was studying auto body in addition to her regular high school classes. School officials say she was a dedicated and hands-on student who will be missed by everyone at the school.

"Evertech's a big family. We're a small school, only about 135 students, 10 teachers and staff, so she's going to be dearly missed. There isn't a person who works at our school that isn't affected by this tragedy," said Melissa Shade, Broome-Tioga BOCES Evertech Principal.

Counseling is available at BOCES Evertech for students who feel they need it.