On Friday March 11, 2022, the Bates County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to an unresponsive juvenile male at a residence in rural Butler Missouri. On arrival Deputies made contact with the residents and were advised the male was on the floor in the kitchen.
Deputies made contact with the juvenile to provide first aid. The male was found to be deceased at the time of contact. During the investigation it was determined that there were two 14 year old males at the residence at the time of the incident. Prior to the 911 call, the two had been outside shooting a pistol at targets. After shooting at the targets, the two males brought the gun back into the house and were attempting to place it back in the gun safe when the gun discharged striking one of the juveniles. The gunshot proved to be fatal for the male subject.
This case is still an open case but preliminarily indication is that this was accidental in nature. The case is being investigated by the Bates County Sheriff’s Office, Bates County Coroner’s Office and the Bates County Juvenile Office.
Services are being provided to assist both families in this tragic incident. Our hearts and prayers go out to both families
