Shooting Accident Claims the Life of a 19-year-old

A shooting accident in Midland has turned tragic. Gavin Morrison, 19, was found dead after 2:00p.m. today at the Palms Apartments. Police said Morrison was playing with a gun when he accidentally shot himself in the head. Two of Morrison's friends were in the apartment when the shot was fired.

"The stories we're getting now is this individual was playing with a revolver," said Sgt. David Garcia with the Midland Police Department.

Sgt. Garcia said the revolver wasn’t loaded at first, but at some put a live round was put in the chamber of the firearm.

“We’re checking for gunshot residue on all the people in the apartment, that’s part of the investigation,” explained Garcia.  We are still trying to determine ownership of the weapon.”

Sgt. Garcia has worked many of these cases and believes they all could have been prevented. He tells Big 2 New he hopes this tragedy serves as a lesson and reminder to the rest of the community.

“Never assume that a weapon is empty; never assume a weapon is a toy, they are dangerous, they will hurt you, they will kill you,” explained Sgt. Garcia.

Morrison’s body was sent to Tarrant County for an autopsy.