On July 21, 2024, a fatal incident occurred at a residence on the 8100 block of 49th Avenue North in St. Petersburg, Florida. Kevin Bishop, a 50-year-old man, was involved in an accidental shooting at his home. The incident happened when Bishop and his roommate, William Tompkins, 57, were handling firearms while drinking alcohol.
According to the investigation, Bishop showed Tompkins his collection of guns, assuring him that all of the firearms were unloaded.
The two men pointed some of the guns at themselves and each other, pulling the triggers, but none of the guns fired. However, when Bishop took a Glock 21 pistol from Tompkins and as Tompkins’ fingers released from the firearm, Bishop grabbed it and was accidentally shot in the chest.
Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a person shot at the residence around 5 p.m. and found Kevin Bishop on the floor with a gunshot wound to the chest. Bishop was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Tompkins, who had been with Bishop during the incident, went outside and called 911 after the shooting occurred. He was questioned by investigators, but it is unknown whether he is facing any charges. The investigation into the shooting continued after the incident.
The accidental nature of the shooting was highlighted by the sheriff’s office, which emphasized that the men had been under the influence of alcohol and had mistakenly believed the guns were unloaded. The incident underscores the dangers of handling firearms, especially when alcohol is involved.
