SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Sioux Police are investigating a manslaughter case after a shooting at around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday. One teenager is dead, and another is facing charges, along with an adult.
Police believe it was an accidental shooting disguised to look like a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police were called to a home on the 800 block of West 7th Street. The 911 caller reported someone had shot himself. However, the investigation would lead detectives to a different conclusion.
Police arrested Savannah Lee Randle, 33, on charges of accessory to manslaughter, nine counts of abuse or cruelty to a minor and false reporting. They also arrested a juvenile but can’t release any details.
According to witness accounts, a number of young people had gathered at the house. Some were playing video games in an upstairs bedroom. Court papers say the teenage suspect was playing with a 9MM handgun gun and dry-firing it at the victim.
When the victim told him to stop, he responded, “You really think I would shoot you?” and “It’s not loaded.” That was moments before the gun went off, sending a bullet into the victim’s head through his right eye. A preliminary assessment of the autopsy by police indicates the gun was about three feet away from the victim when it was fired.
“During the investigation, detectives discovered there had been witnesses that had been told to leave the scene prior to police arrival,” said Lt. Arron Nyberg.
“Detectives were able to track down these witnesses, and through interviews and a preliminary investigation of the scene and the body, it’s determined that this gunshot wound was not self-inflicted,” he said.
Court papers indicate Randle told the witnesses to leave before police arrived. Police say there is nothing to indicate alcohol or drugs played a part in the shooting.
The gun, a Taurus 9MM used in the shooting, was reported stolen from an unlocked car on August 14 in Sioux Falls.
