KENNEWICK, Wash. – A teen has been charged with first- and second-degree manslaughter after reportedly playing with a gun found in an unlocked safe at a friend’s house, according to court documents.
On Feb. 29, Kennewick Police were called to the 200 block of East Canyon Drive with reports of a teen, later identified as Joseph Martinez, 13, who was shot in the neck by another teen.
The probable cause document says Martinez and two other teens were playing with a handgun that was found in an unlocked gun safe. One of the teens said Martinez was shot while they were trying to unjam the gun.
Officers provided medical aid until medics arrived. Martinez was later brought to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The teen who allegedly shot Martinez, Christopher Silva Morales, 14, is now charged with manslaughter in the first- and second-degree. He is not in custody and his initial arraignment is set for Oct. 2.