Accidental Shooting in Illinois - One Dead - One Arrested

Local news reports

An 18-year-old man was fatally shot early Thursday when a friend accidentally discharged a firearm, officials said.

Isaiah Stevenson, of Brown Avenue, suffered a single gunshot wound to the chest and was transported to Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead 20 minutes later, police said.

Cody J. Delacruz, 20, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct. He appeared in court Thursday afternoon, where his bond was set at $100,000.

Earlier that evening, a group of friends had gathered for a small party and were drinking in Delacruz’s basement when he brought down a 1930s Russian sniper rifle, officials said.

Delacruz, who was described as a gun enthusiast, was pointing and waving the rifle and, at one point, attempted to load a round, but was stopped by a friend.

However, the gun still had at least one round in it, because when Delacruz pointed the gun at Stevenson, it discharged and struck Stevenson.