A 16-year-old Harrison boy was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon, and another juvenile has been charged with negligent homicide, according to Boone County Sheriff Roy Martin.
Deputies responded to a residence on Hickenbottom Road at approximately 4:12 p.m. on August 11 following a report that a juvenile had been shot. Upon arrival, investigators found the 16-year-old dead from what appeared to be a gunshot wound.
According to Martin, a group of young men had gathered at the home and were likely under the influence of controlled substances while handling a loaded firearm. Authorities say one of the juveniles in the group was handling the weapon when it discharged, striking and killing the victim.
Sheriff Martin emphasized that evidence at the scene indicated the group was engaged in careless handling of the firearm. The juvenile who was holding the weapon at the time of the incident has been charged with negligent homicide, Martin said. He was taken into custody and transported to a juvenile detention center, where he awaits court proceedings.
Martin described the shooting as a tragic loss of life and underscored the importance of firearm safety. He urged the public to avoid handling firearms carelessly or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
No further information about those involved has been released, as the investigation is ongoing.