Missouri man accused in fatal shooting of 15-year-old son

FAYETTE, Mo. — A Missouri man is accused of manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of his 15-year-old son, authorities said.

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Eddie M. Valencia, 51, of Fayette, was charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter in the Feb. 20, shooting, according to Howard County prosecutors.

According to a probable cause statement, Valencia said he was checking his Remington Model 700 .308, by “dry firing” it, KMIZ reported. Valencia threw the gun and immediately called 911 after the shooting, according to the statement.

Police responded to Valencia’s residence at around 9:17 p.m. and found the victim face up with a single gunshot wound to the head, KMIZ reported.

According to the probable cause statement, Valencia said he did not check to see if there was ammunition in the firearm, stating that the guns “are never put away loaded,” the television station reported.

Valencia allegedly told police that he thought his son had left the room when the gun was fired. Valencia said he had not been drinking before the shooting occurred but refused to take a breath test, KMIZ reported.

Valencia was being held in the Howard County Jail without bond, according to online booking records.

Cox Media Group