The shooting appears to have occurred when the 16-year-old, “in an ill-fated moment of horseplay,” pointed the gun at the victim and pulled the trigger, thinking the weapon was unloaded after the magazine was removed, according to the release. A single round fired and struck the victim in the torso, the release says.
“The subjects in the residence then attempted to render aid and contacted emergency services for assistance,” the sheriff’s office said.
The 16-year-old is charged with one count of reckless homicide, a third-degree felony, and is in custody at the Juvenile Detention Center awaiting arraignment. The case is still under investigation.
According to the release, the 16-year-old and another juvenile relative were at the home to meet the victim and another resident.
“It was learned that there was no reported animosity or any other apparent conflict between the subjects, but (the suspect) had the pistol out and was manipulating the action,” the sheriff’s office said.
The juveniles have not been identified.
On social media, several bowling teams from area high schools shared prayers and thoughts for the Kenton Ridge bowling team following the shooting.
Northwestern Local School District shared in a statement Monday afternoon that its Traumatic Event Crisis Intervention Plan team, which is made up of mental health therapists. counselors and additional security, has been at Kenton Ridge “to offer comfort and support.” The district encouraged those needing these resources to reach out.
“Our school community is feeling the weight of this tragedy deeply, and it has impacted students, staff, and families,” the district said. “Losses like this create a ripple effect that is felt throughout our small, close-knit community.”
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