Charlie Martin, a 14-year-old boy from Fort Lauderdale, FL, tragically died on July 30, 2015, from a single gunshot wound to the head. The incident occurred in Cooper City, where Charlie and his friends were playing with a handgun they found in the garage of one of the boys' homes. According to reports, the boys discovered the gun inside a gun box that was placed in a cardboard box. They removed the magazine and believed the gun was unloaded.
However, while playing with the firearm, the gun accidentally discharged, fatally wounding Charlie.
The suspect, another 14-year-old boy, was arrested and charged with manslaughter. During the investigation, it was revealed that the boys had been pulling the trigger multiple times, thinking the gun was safe. The suspect claimed that he did not know how a live round ended up in the chamber. After the shooting, the suspect panicked and fled the scene without calling for help or rendering aid to Charlie.
The case was brought to juvenile court, where the suspect's attorney argued that the boy had no prior issues with the law and was a responsible student and athlete. The judge ordered that the suspect remain in custody until a further hearing to determine whether he would be tried as an adult. The incident highlighted the dangers of unsecured firearms and the tragic consequences of gun play among teenagers.
