'Compassionate soul': 16-year-old fatally shot while 'play fighting' with other teen, police say
Two Florida teens were "play fighting" in an incident that turned fatal, police say.
Clearwater Police Department said Thursday it charged a 16-year-old boy with manslaughter and violation of probation in connection to the Tuesday incident in which another 16-year-old boy was fatally shot.
Police say the defendant and the teen who died, Jacques Ford, were "play fighting" when the defendant picked up a gun and it went off in the tussle, striking Ford. USA TODAY is not naming the defendant because of his age.
Police said in a Thursday news release the incident is still under investigation and other charges could be added. The defendant was not listed in court or jail records online as of Friday. A spokesperson with Clearwater police told USA TODAY there were not further updates on the case as of Friday morning.
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Father calls boy killed in 'play flight' a bright soul
In a verified GoFundMe for funeral expenses, Jay Henderson, who identified himself as Ford's father, said the loss was devastating and unexpected.
"Jacques was a bright, loving, and compassionate soul who brought joy and laughter to everyone he encountered," the post states. "His infectious smile and caring nature touched the lives of so many, and his sudden departure has left a void that can never be filled."
Henderson did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for an interview. The Tampa Bay Times reported that Ford was taken to a hospital after the incident and died there.