HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A 19-year-old Huntsville man has been charged with manslaughter after a shooting inside a residence on Lumary Drive left a 16-year-old boy dead early Tuesday morning.
According to the Huntsville Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting at a home in the 4900 block of Lumary Drive at approximately 2:35 a.m. Upon arrival, they found a 16-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by emergency responders, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators with the department’s Major Crimes Unit determined that the victim and the suspect, identified as 19-year-old Santravious Shermaud Westry, were cousins.
Police say Westry was inside the residence with the victim when he retrieved a firearm to show it to others. During the handling of the weapon, it discharged, striking the 16-year-old. Authorities stated that two other individuals were present in the home at the time and were initially detained while investigators gathered information.
Following the investigation, Westry was arrested and charged with manslaughter. He was booked into the Madison County Jail.
The identity of the victim has not been publicly released. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of firearm safety and the devastating consequences that can result when weapons are handled improperly. The victim’s family and loved ones are now mourning the loss of a young life cut short.
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