16-year-old boy died after he and his friends were playing and posing with a gun he had brought earlier when one of the kids discharged the firearm; juvenile arrested

Florida – In a heartbreaking incident in Florida, a juvenile girl has been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child following the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy, identified as D. Acker. The tragedy occurred on July 30, when Acker, the charged girl, and another friend were reportedly playing with a gun at a residence.

According to the sheriff’s office, the group was engaging in dangerous play with the firearm, which Acker had brought into the home. The youths were taking turns pointing the gun at each other and posing with it, which tragically escalated when the girl pointed the gun at Acker and pulled the trigger, resulting in his immediate death.

The death of Acker has left his family and community devastated. Described by his family as a joyful and vibrant teenager, Acker was remembered for bringing laughter and happiness wherever he went. His family has since started a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs and legal expenses, highlighting the profound impact his loss has had on them and others who knew him. “This tragedy has left a huge void not only in our lives, but everyone who had the privilege to experience him,” the family stated in the campaign description.

Acker was the fourth of six siblings and had aspirations to graduate early from high school to join his father in the contracting business. His mother expressed her profound grief local media, noting that Acker was the “glue that kept this family together.”

Following the incident, authorities conducted a preliminary investigation, which led to the arrest of the girl on August 1. She was charged as a juvenile, reflecting the serious consequences of her actions and the ongoing legal proceedings that aim to address this grave incident. The identity of the girl charged has not been released publicly due to her age. The case has stirred discussions in the community about gun safety and the responsibilities of firearm ownership, especially in households with children and teenagers.

The community and the Acker family are now facing the difficult task of coming to terms with the sudden and tragic loss. The victim’s father, shared his overwhelming grief, mentioning his struggle to cope with the reality of his son’s untimely death. “I haven’t eaten in three days,” he said. “Can’t stop crying. I wake up crying, go to sleep crying.” This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of careless handling of firearms and the importance of educating young individuals about the risks associated with guns.