A Texas boy was charged this week in connection to the fatal shooting of his younger brother that he claimed was an accident.
Rhyder Tettleton, 17, initially denied any involvement in the shooting that claimed his 16-year-old brother’s life.
The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the left abdomen area. Witnesses told detectives he uttered, “I think I’m gonna die. Help me,” after being shot.
Police said Tettleton and his brother were among a group of teen drinking in a barn and handling a gun before it went off.
Tettleton eventually admitted to the shooting, telling investigators that he thought he was just “dry firing” the gun when he pulled the trigger.
His brother was standing just six inches away from him. Tettleton said he believed there was no ammunition in the chamber before he fired.
He also admitted to asking the other teens to hide their guns. Police said he told the boys to lie about what happened.
Tettleton was charged with second-degree manslaughter. His bond was set at $50,000.
