[newsperson999]

wouldn't the gun likely have to be highpowered if the bullet passed through the women at a long range?

[Tree of Liberty]

High-powered is an increadibly relative term. The police and press would probably call any center-fire (as opposed to rimfire) rifle cartridge "high-powered". Here are the specs of the .223Rem that police are speculating was used:

Bullet Weight: 55grs.
Muzzle Velocity: 3240 fps
Muzzle Energy: 1282 ft-lbs

The data is from Haas' Guide to Small Arms Ammunition

[Cobra Scott]

"High-powered" is about as overused as "assault rifle", IMO. I shoot a big hogleg revolver, someone aptly described it as an Earschplittenloudenboomer. It pales in comparison to your average deer rifle. I share your thoughts though.