'Did not know the man': Man killed Girl Scout after driving across the country to kidnap one of her friends, police say

A Florida man is behind bars for shooting and killing a Girl Scout after driving across the country to try and kidnap one of her friends in Ohio, according to law enforcement in the Buckeye State.

Travis Lovett, 21, stands accused of three counts of aggravated murder and two counts of murder over the death of 18-year-old Alice Tully. The defendant also faces one count each of kidnapping, aggravated burglary, assault, tampering, and menacing by stalking.

The underlying incident occurred on Oct. 21, at a residence on Ohio State Route 183 in Atwater Township — a small community located roughly 30 miles due east of Akron.

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Authorities say the defendant developed an “unusual interest in a former female high school classmate,” according to a courtroom report by Shaker Heights CBS affiliate WOIO.

That former classmate has only been identified as a “Jane Doe” in court documents, according to the Record-Courier.

At some point, Doe left Florida for Ohio and came to stay with Tully for safety, prosecutors told the Portage County Court of Common Pleas.

In turn, the defendant got in his car and drove all the way from Florida to Ohio in order to confront his onetime classmate, authorities say.

When Lovett first arrived at Tully’s residence, the women told the man to leave and called for help, police said. So, the defendant left the victim’s house, but later came back, law enforcement said.

The second time, Lovett allegedly forced his way inside the house, fatally shot Tully, and tried to kidnap his former classmate, police said.

Before the shooting, Lovett and Tully did not know one another.

A GoFundMe to help the victim’s family with funeral expenses recounts her life and the manner in which her life came to an end.

“Alice did not know the man accused of taking her life,” according to the fundraiser. “She died while trying to protect a friend, and her final moments reflected the courage and loyalty that were so much a part of who she was.”

The GoFundMe goes on to remember Tully fondly:

Alice was a devoted Girl Scout who embodied the values of courage, kindness, loyalty, and helping others. She had been looking forward to a very special milestone: her transition-to-adult Girl Scout ceremony…

Alice had a tremendous love for animals and a special appreciation for the outdoors and had a loved a good pocket knife.

She was a daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, friend, Girl Scout, and animal lover whose life touched so many people.

The defendant fled after the violence and was arrested hours later in Guernsey County, Ohio, according to law enforcement.

During a hearing on Friday, a judge assessed bond at $10 million. Lovett is due back in court again on Nov. 10.

The post ‘Did not know the man’: Man killed Girl Scout after driving across the country to kidnap one of her friends, police say first appeared on Law & Crime.