On March 10, 2022, a tragic incident occurred in northwest Las Vegas, resulting in the death of 28-year-old Christopher Campise. The event unfolded in an apartment located on the 9300 block of Gilcrease Avenue, near Grand Teton Drive and Hualapai Way. Campise was with a group of friends, all in their late 20s, who were socializing and engaging in an activity that would ultimately lead to his fatal shooting.
According to the police report and statements from the Metropolitan Police
Department, the group of friends were handling firearms when the incident occurred. Matthew Stafford, one of the individuals present, picked up a handgun and, while 'playing' with it, accidentally discharged the weapon. The bullet struck Christopher Campise, who was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit once.
Matthew Stafford, the individual responsible for the shooting, was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter. Stafford, who is from Bakersfield, California, had been drinking alcohol that night, although he stated that he does not usually consume alcohol. In his initial interaction with detectives, Stafford refused to talk but later provided a statement. He claimed that he had checked the guns earlier in the night to ensure they were unloaded and did not believe he had intentionally fired the shot. Stafford expressed shock and disbelief after the shooting, stating, 'You guys think I murdered my friend. That's what you think. The gun was his. Early in the night, I checked and made sure everything was unloaded. Everything I checked every single gun that was there was unloaded. Everything was unloaded.'.
Stafford was booked at the Clark County Detention Center but later posted bail. He was scheduled to appear in court in April 2022, according to court records. The incident highlights the dangers of handling firearms carelessly, as emphasized by Metro Lt. Ray Spencer, who noted that any gun being handled should be treated as if it were loaded, especially in social settings.
The case against Matthew Stafford is centered around the charge of involuntary manslaughter, reflecting the accidental nature of the shooting. However, the severity of the consequences underscores the importance of responsible gun handling and the tragic outcomes that can result from negligence or careless behavior with firearms.
