Submitted by Fox First at Ten on December 27th
UPDATE - The victims name has been released, it is Ciara Hardin.
UPDATED PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SPOKANE POLICE DEPT: On December 27, 2012, at 11:30pm, Spokane Police patrol officers received an emergency call from 1300 W. Newark, with the caller reporting a shooting. Officers, one of which is an EMT, arrived within minutes and rendered aid for a gunshot wound. Medical personnel responded and transported the woman to a local hospital where she died of her injury.
Major Crimes Detectives investigated the shooting and determined Chad Pratt was inside the kitchen showing another friend his handgun. Pratt had been drinking alcohol, underage, while displaying a loaded handgun. He fired the gun, which struck his friend in the head, ultimately killing her.
Investigators determined Pratt was negligent in his handling of the firearm, which resulted in the death of his friend. Pratt was arrested and booked this afternoon for 2nd Degree Manslaughter.
After the Medical Examiner's Office conducts an autopsy, they will be able to release the victim's name.
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SPOKANE POLICE DEPT: Spokane Police are investigating an accidental shooting which left 20-year-old Ciara Hardin in critical condition. All parties involved have been interviewed and no arrests have been made.
Wednesday night around 11:30pm, Spokane Police officers responded to a shooting at 1300 W. Newark. By the time officers arrived, Ciara Hardin had been transported to a local hospital. The woman is not expected to live.
Major Crimes Detectives responded and interviewed all parties involved. Detectives believe a 20-year-old man was in the kitchen showing another friend his handgun. The man accidentally fired a round that struck 20-year-old Ciara Hardin in the head. Detectives have seized the handgun as evidence.
The investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
ORIGINAL STORY:
SPOKANE, Wash. - Spokane Police are investigating a shooting they are calling an accident on the lower South Hill. Investigators with the Major Crimes unit with the Spokane Police department tell KHQ that a 20-year-old female, Ciara Hardin, was shot in the head around 11:30 PM Wednesday. The female is in critical condition and investigators tell KHQ's Matt Rogers that she might not make it. Police have interviewed everyone who was involved in the event last night, including the man who shot her. Right now SPD is investigating for possible negligence in the shooting but are officially calling it an accident. Police are waiting on a search warrant to enter the home and search for the weapon, as well as any possible factors in the shooting. Police say they will not be making any arrests today.
