On a summer afternoon in Spanaway, Washington, a gathering of friends turned into a scene of unimaginable tragedy. Alatino Bolden, an 18-year-old Black/African American male, was fatally shot on August 15, 2015, at his own home. The person responsible for the shooting was his best friend, 18-year-old Isaac Nettles. The incident occurred as Nettles was showing off a.
38-caliber revolver he had recently purchased for $50.
The group of five friends had gathered at Bolden's house in the 14900 block of 12th Avenue East. Nettles, believing he had unloaded the firearm, was reportedly "horsing around" with the gun when it discharged. A single bullet that had remained lodged in the chamber struck Bolden in the head. Family members who were present at the house immediately performed CPR while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Tragically, Bolden later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
In the aftermath of the accidental shooting, Isaac Nettles was arrested and charged with first-degree manslaughter. Investigators determined that while Nettles had legally purchased the gun, he was too young to do so under the law. Loved ones of Bolden expressed that he would have been most concerned for his best friend, Nettles, in the wake of the incident, describing their bond as being like brothers. Bolden, known affectionately as "Lorenzo," was remembered as a joyful and outgoing young man with a bright future. A recent graduate of Spanaway Lake High School, he had plans to attend Pierce College and hoped to play basketball.
Ultimately, Isaac Nettles pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree manslaughter. In July 2016, a judge sentenced the then 19-year-old to five years and three months in prison, which was the high end of the sentencing range. At his sentencing, a remorseful Nettles apologized, stating he would never forgive himself for the death of his friend. Bolden's family, devastated by their loss, had urged the court to impose the longest possible sentence, expressing their profound and lasting grief.
