Illinois Man Gets Probation for Killing his Friend Unintentionally

 
Zachary Ballinger

Local news reports

A Quincy man will be sentenced to probation after he pleaded guilty to accidently shooting a friend to death earlier this year. 

Zachary W. Ballinger, 21, wept in court Wednesday as he admitted to accidentally killing Austin M. Hermann, 21, during an incident early March 23 at Ballinger's residence on South 24th. Ballinger pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of unlawful possession with intent to deliver cannabis. 



State's Attorney Jon Barnard said. "Probation not only includes the option of jail time, but that is certainly something that is appropriate in this case." 

Ballinger told deputies that he had accidently shot Hermann on the porch of the residence. 

In the recorded statement, Ballinger said he and Hermann had been out drinking before going to Ballinger's residence to play video games. While they were playing video games, they noticed an AR-15 rifle in the room. They went outside with the rifle, and Ballinger pointed at Hermann. 

"Ballinger said that he thought the safety was on and didn't think there was a bullet in the chamber." 

Hermann was pronounced dead from a single gunshot wound at 5:57 a.m. 

The 6 ways to ensure that you do time for an accidental shooting:

1. do it in a residential area
2. lie to the police
3. hide evidence
4. have neck tattoos
5. have dred locks
6. be black or Hispanic

One out of six gets you probation.  See how it works.