Johnta Chism, 18, Suspect in Accidental Shooting of D’Vante Rashad Williams, 16, Reportedly on Suicide Watch

Johnta Chism, who has been accused in the accidental shooting death of Carrollton High School (Ga.) basketball player, D'Vante Rashad Williams, 16, is reportedly on suicide watch, according to his aunt Vickie Ware in an interview with Channel 2 Action News. Chism is currently being held at the Carrollton County Jail. The police said he was playing with a gun and pointed the weapon at his best friend, D'Vante Williams. Chism faces one charge each of manslaughter and reckless conduct in the death. Witnesses have said that he did not realize the gun was loaded when he pulled the trigger. So, here's my question -- why play with a gun in the first place?

Ms. Ware, the suspect's aunt said both of Chism’s parents died when he was young. She also said that Chism’s father died of a gunshot wound while playing with a gun. This is a tragedy and I am sure this young man will have to live with guilt for killing his friend. This should be another valuable lesson to all those young men and women who play with guns -- don't it may be loaded. It also seems to me that this story is by no means complete. Where did Mr. Chism get this gun? He's old enough to know that pointing a gun at someone and pulling the trigger could have disastrous results. After all, this isn't a controller for an Xbox or a Nintendo Wii. This young man is old enough to use better judgment. I applaud his mother for being so strong and forgiving in her time of grief.

Photo credit: Johnta Chism, Action 2 News