A Pennsylvania teenager could be tried for murder for allegedly pointing a gun at his friend’s head and pulling the trigger during a game of Russian roulette.
STORY: So Sad! Father Finds His Own Son Dead In Bronx Park
“This is a tragic example of the consequences of the irresponsible handling of a firearm,” Bedford County District Attorney Bill Higgins said of the July 20th incident that left Neal Hammond, 15, dead.
According to Fox News, Cole McConoughey, 15, has been charged as an adult with aggravated assault in the shooting.
Prosecutors were still considering third-degree homicide or manslaughter charges against the teen for pulling the trigger on Hammond during a sleepover at McConoughey’s Everett, Penn. home.
Police said a third boy brought the .38-caliber revolver to the slumber party, but it was unclear if he would be charged. The gun’s owner might also be prosecuted.
Both McConoughey and Hammond attended an area school, and Hammond was a talented and outgoing athlete.
McConoughey allegedly proposed the game of Russian roulette.
He spun the revolver’s cylinder, loading and unloading bullets, pointing the gun and joking around, “let’s play Russian roulette,” McConoughey was heard saying. McConoughey pointed the gun at Hammond’s head and “he pulled the trigger thinking it was going to click.”
Hammond was buried last week, and his family said they were mourning both their own loss and the fate awaiting McConoughey.
Hammond’s father also said he does not want to see McConoughey behind bars for what he believes was an accident.
“Cole’s pain has been a burden on us since the day it happened,” he said. “My wife and I have been praying for that poor boy. I don’t want to see him face any jail time.”
McConoughey’s attorney has filed a request that his case be moved to juvenile court.
