Teens Playing Around With Guns Result in Two Deaths

A 16-year-old brought a gun to a gathering of teens in a home in Springfield, Ohio, where he unintentionally shot and killed 15-year-old Ray Estep. The magazine was removed from the gun, and the suspect thought the gun was unloaded when he pointed it at Ray and pulled the trigger. He has been charged with reckless homicide. 

Ray was on the high school bowling team, loved video games, and was a Philadelphia Eagles fan. Local school districts offered their condolences to the family online, and the high school noted that counselors would be available on-site to offer support. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the shooting.

And in a bedroom of a Baker, Louisiana home, 15-year-old Dacy Gaspard was accidentally shot and killed with an assault rifle. Dacy was hanging out with friends when he was shot, and was about to turn 16 in less than a month. Eighteen-year-old Tra’meir Smith was charged with negligent homicide in connection to the shooting, as police continue to investigate.

The group of teens were like family. “That’s my best friend. Like my blood brother. My blood baby brother. Both of them. Just unexpected,” said a friend. And another friend who was in the home when the shooting occurred said, “[i] wish I could have saved him.” 

Sources:

“Visitation Announced for 15-year-old Student Killed in Accidental Shooting,” whio.com (November 13, 2024).

Deon Guillory, “‘I Wish I Could Have Saved Him’: Friend React to Baker Teens Accidental Shooting Death,” wafb.com (November 11, 2024).