BOURBON COUNTY, Ky. (LEX News) — An assault charge against a teen arrested in connection to a September 6 shooting that left another teen dead was amended on Friday to second-degree manslaughter.
Trinity Buckner, 18, made an appearance in a Bourbon County courthouse Friday. Buckner previously plead not guilty to charges of first-degree assault and wanton endangerment involving the discharge of a firearm.
According to the coroner's office, Brandon Williams Jr., 18, died Sept. 8 at a Lexington hospital from a gunshot wound to the head. His death has been ruled a homicide. Investigators said Williams was shot Sept. 6 inside a home on Houston Antioch Road in Bourbon County.
According to Buckner's arrest citation, investigators determined she discharged a firearm inside the home, striking Williams while he was lying on a couch. The citation states a second person standing nearby was also struck.
Deputies wrote that people inside the home gave conflicting accounts of what happened. According to the citation, Buckner told investigators the shooting was accidental and that the firearm was loaded with a round already chambered. However, the second victim told investigators Buckner racked a round into the chamber and fired the gun while pointing it toward Williams. Deputies interviewed several other people who were present in the home.
The case is now headed to a Bourbon County Grand Jury, and Buckner is held on a $150,000 bond.
