17-year-old killed after gun jammed during target practice; classmate charged

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — Two high school students are facing charges after the shooting death of a 17-year-old classmate .

Candace Chrzan was killed Tuesday evening while doing target practice at a Carroll County home.

Investigators said during a news conference Friday that four friends were hanging in the backyard when the gun they were using jammed. Chrzan handed the gun to 17-year-old Jeremy Matthew Gray to clear the jam. As he tried to clear it, the gun went off, hitting Chrzan in the head. Investigators say Gray tried to render aid, but was unsuccessful.

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Gray was arrested and has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless conduct and possession of a firearm under the age of 18.

Investigators say Gray lives with his grandmother and the gun belonged to his late grandfather, who was an avid gun collector.

After Chrzan’s death, investigators say another student, 18-year-old Samuel Blake Greer, posted a video on social media holding a gun and threatening to harm and kill Gray over what happened.

Greer is charged with felony terroristic threats.

“We will not tolerate vigilante justice here or a threat to harm others,” said Ashley Husley with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.

Chrzan was a senior at Mt. Zion High School.

“She had just picked up her cap and gown this week and was getting ready for those festivities all seniors look forward to. So it’s a very heartbreaking time. We just everyone to keep her and her family in their prayers and thoughts, as well as the students who returned back to school today without her,” Hulsey said.

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Teen shot to death in Carroll County had just picked up cap and gown ahead of graduation The school district released a statement saying they are deeply saddened about the loss of a promising student.