Somchai Nicholas Chanthara, a 22-year-old male of Asian ethnicity, tragically died on October 14, 2014, in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred at a house where Chanthara and his cousin, Mathew Soumpholphakdy, were staying with their families. According to police reports, Chanthara and Soumpholphakdy were wrestling on a bed when Soumpholphakdy pulled out a Glock handgun from under his pillow, allegedly to scare Chanthara. During the struggle, the gun discharged, striking Chanthara in the head. Despite immediate medical attention, Chanthara succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Following the incident, Soumpholphakdy was arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter. He claimed that he was unaware there was a bullet in the chamber and that the shooting was an accident. The Berks County District Attorney's office determined that the circumstances met the requirements for an involuntary manslaughter charge. Soumpholphakdy was arraigned and booked into the Berks County Jail without bail, with his bond set at a later date.
The family of Chanthara, including his father Artie Chanthara, expressed their belief that the shooting was an accident and that the two cousins were very close, often described as best friends. The family had been in the Pennsylvania community for several weeks, helping to repair cars and homes damaged by a major hailstorm.
In March 2015, Soumpholphakdy pled guilty to the accidental shooting and killing of his cousin. He was sentenced accordingly, and the case was resolved with the acknowledgment of the tragic nature of the incident.
This unfortunate event highlights the devastating consequences that can arise from seemingly harmless actions, especially when firearms are involved. The loss of Somchai Nicholas Chanthara at such a young age is a poignant reminder of the importance of gun safety and the potential for unintended harm.
