KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Kalamazoo Public Safety is now saying the death of two teens in the Edison Neighborhood appears to be an accident from the evidence at the scene and an eyewitness account.
Capt. Victor Ledbetter says it appears that the two 17-year-olds where playing with a handgun when it discharged, killing one of the teens. The witness said there was no altercation or argument between the two prior to the shooting.
The witness told detectives that the teen who was not shot became distraught and shot himself. Both died at the scene.
Capt. Ledbetter says the evidence found at the scene confirms this. He says they are running tests and still investigating the incident.
Prosecutor Jeff Getting says it appears at first look to be an accidental death/suicide. He says we need to have an open conversation about how teenagers get their hands on guns and wind up shooting other people, whether it be accidental or intentional.
Ledbetter says the gun was not stolen but was not properly registered either. Finding the source of that gun will be part of the ongoing investigation.
