One Teenager Dead, Another Charged in Accidental Shooting in Boone County

An accidental shooting in Boone County leaves on teenager dead and another facing charges.

The full release below is from the Boone County Sheriff's Office:

Sheriff Roy Martin reports that on 08/11/2026 at approximately 4:12PM, officers responded to a residence on Hickenbottom Road in Boone County in response to a reported juvenile that had been shot.  Upon arrival, Deputies found a 16 year old male deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. 

Upon investigation, it was determined that a group of young men were together and likely using controlled substances while handling a loaded weapon.  One of the juveniles was handling the firearm when it discharged striking another juvenile in the room.  Based on the circumstances of the incident where subjects were believed to be under the influence and carelessly handling a weapon that resulted in the death of another person, the juvenile was charged with negligent homicide.  The juvenile was transported to a juvenile detention center and is awaiting court proceedings.

Sheriff Martin expressed that this is a tragic incident that has resulted in the loss of a young life. He stressed that firearm safety should always be practiced and that firearms should never be handled carelessly or while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.