19-year-old man accidentally shoots friend in head in bedroom, police say

Brandon Velez arrested Thursday on manslaughter charge

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. ā€“ A 19-year-old man was arrested Thursday on a manslaughter charge, a day after he accidentally shot his friend in the head at a northwest Miami-Dade County home while they were playing with a loaded gun, police said.

According to an arrest report, Brandon Velez and Bobby Duverny, 20, were hanging out at another friend's home at 14910 NW Ninth Court shortly after 5 p.m. when Velez and Duverny began playing with the gun, pointing it at one another and mishandling the firearm.

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Police said Velez pointed the gun at Duverny, who grabbed the barrel.

Police said the gun discharged when Duverny grabbed it, striking him in the face.

The bullet exited toward the back of his skull.

Police said Duverny collapsed on the floor and Velez ran out of the house while another friend called 911.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

Police said the witness provided a statement to investigators, identifying Velez as the person who shot the victim.

Velez was found at his home and was taken to the Homicide Bureau for questioning.

Police said Velez confessed to his involvement in the shooting. They said he also admitted to trying to burn the clothing that he was wearing at the time of the shooting and disposing of the gun.

Velez led police to the burned clothing and hidden gun, the report said.

Velez was arrested and is being held at the Tuner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

He was out of jail on bond when the shooting happened for charges of burglary, petty theft and possession of an unlawful article in jail.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.