In Mesa, Arizona, 20-year old Tyler Rascon died in an accident caused by the absence of a magazine safety disconnect.  His 21-year old friend, Michael Whipple, is under arrest.

According to a report, the accident is explained in court documents:

“it all started when Whipple, his girlfriend, Rascon, and a witness had returned to Whipple’s house at 3 a.m. after going to a party. The witness said Whipple’s girlfriend went to bed but the other three stayed up. The witness said Whipple grabbed a handgun out of his nightstand to show him and Rascon. The witness told police that Whipple removed the magazine from the gun and handed it to Rascon saying ‘OK, see it’s safe, it’s not loaded.’” 

Documents state “that the witness turned to look at their cell phone then heard a gunshot. Rascon screamed and fell to the ground. Whipple and his girlfriend began CPR on Rascon and one of the homeowners called 911.”

Whipple was arrested and charged with one count of manslaughter. Whipple told police that he had just purchased the handgun for his birthday and he wanted to show it to his friends.

Source:

Laura Lollman, “Mesa Police Arrest Suspect for Manslaughter in Deadly Shooting,” azfamily.com (December 7, 2020).