
Utah Man Arrested After Tragic Shooting Incident During Drug Use
A man has been arrested for manslaughter, after shooting his friend. They were doing drugs, and the friend told him he could "dodge a bullet" after it was shot. He couldn't.
A Utah man faces manslaughter charges following a fatal incident involving firearms and drug use. Authorities say the man shot his friend after the friend claimed he could "dodge a bullet" once it was fired.
Fatal Game Turns Deadly
Ashton Jonathan Mann, 23, was arrested around 4 a.m. on Sunday, February 2, on charges of second-degree felony manslaughter and an additional firearms-related third-degree felony.
Unified Police Department officers responded to a residence in Kearns, Utah, after receiving a report of a shooting. They found the victim unresponsive, lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Claims of Bullet-Dodging Lead to Tragedy
According to an affidavit filed in Salt Lake County, Mann told detectives that he and his friend had been smoking marijuana around 8 p.m. and discussing firearms while in the kitchen. The pair then moved to a detached garage to continue their conversation, where they reportedly began handling two different handguns. Mann stated his friend claimed he could dodge a bullet, prompting a dangerous game in which they unloaded and repeatedly pulled the triggers of the guns, with the friend attempting to dodge each time.
On the final attempt, the gun discharged, striking the victim in the chest. Mann said his friend then asked him to call 911, and he attempted to provide aid until emergency responders arrived.
Investigation Uncovers Drugs and Weapons
A search warrant executed at the scene led authorities to recover two handguns, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia consistent with marijuana use. Mann was taken into custody on the charges mentioned above. It's important to note that charges are merely allegations, and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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