In Lincolnton, North Carolina, 18-year old Mathew Combs was arrested and charged with second degree murder after the shooting death of 13-year old Gabriel Teems. Teems was shot in the living room of his home and died at the scene.

Surprisingly, Teems’ brothers rallied around Combs, a close family friend.  They say the shooting was accidental because Combs didn’t know the gun was loaded.  They don’t believe that Combs should be charged with murder.

“It was a huge accident. I’m not sure exactly what happened but it was really tragic and yesterday was a horrible day. I bet he’s taking it the hardest right now, especially sitting in jail,” said T.J. Jones, the victim’s brother.

Source:

“Witnesses Say 18-year-old Accidentally Shot, Killed 13-year-old in Lincolnton,”  WSOCtv.com (September 25, 2020).