Chase Koepke was a 26-year-old White man, a veteran who was studying to become a nurse in the Ocala, Florida, area. His father described him as "the best" person, someone who had "the biggest smile and would do anything." Chase had a twin sister, and their birthday was just two weeks after his death.
On the evening of December 30, 2023, Chase was at his home on Southwest 146th Avenue Road with two friends, including 22-year-old Abraham Bordas.
They had been invited over to help paint a room. After finishing one room, Chase and Bordas took a break, drinking Twisted Iced Teas while laughing and listening to music on the couch. Bordas, who later admitted to being heavily intoxicated after drinking four of the beverages, found Chase's handgun.
According to the arrest report, Bordas picked up the weapon to admire it. While pointing it at his friend, he said, "Wow, buddy this is a nice gun." He then pulled the trigger, firing a single shot that struck Chase in the abdomen. Chase immediately exclaimed, "Buddy, you shot me." Bordas later told deputies he had never handled a gun before and did not know it was loaded or that the safety was off. A woman who was also at the home was in the kitchen washing dishes when she heard the shot. She saw Chase stumble from the couch and tried to use paper towels to stop the bleeding before he lost consciousness.
Bordas called 911, and paramedics transported Chase to a local hospital, where he died from his wound. When deputies arrived, they noted that Bordas had glossy, bloodshot eyes and smelled strongly of alcohol. He was arrested and subsequently charged with manslaughter with a firearm. He was released on bond the day after he was booked. Chase's father later expressed his hope that the shooting was an accident but was heartbroken that Bordas never reached out to the family to apologize.
In July 2025, Abraham Bordas went to trial on the manslaughter charge. A jury found him not guilty, and he was acquitted of all charges. Following the verdict, Chase's father expressed his grief and frustration, stating he believed the investigation was mishandled because a blood sample was never taken from Bordas at the scene. He said he did not hold animosity toward the jury but was left wondering why no one was held accountable for his son's death. As of July 2025, the case is considered legally closed.
