Pocono News Section

Union Co. Teen Charged in Accidental Shooting Death

Union Co. Teen Charged in Accidental Shooting Death - Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 04:14AM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Tuesday June 01 2010
WEST BUFFALO TWP., UNION COUNTY -- Charges have been filed in the shooting death of a Mifflinburg High School student.

18-year-old Alexander Shoemaker has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of 17-year-old Anthony Hernandez. Police say it happened on May 8th at Shoemaker's house.

Court papers indicate Shoemaker was handling the gun when it went off. Hernandez was hit in the chest. He later died at the hospital.

Shoemaker admits pulling the trigger. He told police that he didn't think the gun was loaded.

Marijuana was also found at the house. Police say Shoemaker admitted that he and Hernandez, along with another unidentified teen, had smoked marijuana just before the shooting happened.