Florida teen accidentally shoots dead friend, 18, while reenacting a rap music video with a 'stolen gun'
A teenager has been charged with manslaughter after he accidentally shot his friend while they 'were simulating a rap video' inside a Florida apartment.
The tragic incident occurred on October 22 when Jonathan Batista, 18, and his friend Brian Shakur Meridor, also 18, were staying at a complex in northwest Miami.
Local police say Batista shot Meridor in the chest while they were acting out the rap video with a third friend.
According to a report running in The Miami Herald, police arrived at the apartment, to find that friend applying pressure to the wound on Meridor's chest. The teen later died in hospital.
Batista is scheduled for arraignment on November 20, and has been freed on bond as he awaits trial.
A teenager has been charged with manslaughter after he accidentally shot his friend while they 'were simulating a rap video with a stolen gun' inside a Florida apartment. Stock image
An arrest report written by Hialeah Detective Wilber Gonzalez said Batista told an officer that 'he didn't mean to shoot the victim and that the gun wasn't supposed to work.'
The report did not say what song or video the teens were 'simulating,' the Herald reported.
The gun belonged to 18-year-old Andres Otaiza, who rented the apartment. He was charged with possession of a stolen firearm because the gun had been reported stolen from a car in Broward County, according to police.
'We are all shaken by the tragic incident that occurred last week and our hearts go out to the family of the young man who lost his life in this horrific accident,' Batista's defense lawyer, Eric Matheny, told The Miami Herald.
'Jonathan and his family offer their deepest condolences. We are prepared to address the criminal charges against him and ask that the privacy of the Batista family be respected during this very difficult time.'
Batista is free on bond while awaiting trial.
Meridor's family have not publicly commented on the teen's death.