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Shooting

Columbia homicide suspect claims he didn’t know gun was loaded; pleads not guilty

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January 19, 2022 5:48 PM
Published 8:40 AM

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An 18-year-old accused of shooting and killing a man in northeast Columbia on Monday night says he didn't know the gun was loaded.

Shawn Long admitted to police in an interview on Tuesday that he picked up the gun and pointed it at Roberto Lauer, 18, in a "playful manner" before it went off, according to a probable cause statement.

However, Long reportedly told police he didn't know the gun was loaded at the time.

Lauer was found dead in a home on Irma Drive on Monday night. Neighbors told ABC 17 News that Lauer and Long were best friends.

Court documents also reveal that two guns were found in the home.

Prosecutors charged Long on Tuesday with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. He pleaded not guilty during his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon.

Long was being held Wednesday in the Boone County Jail on a $250,00 cash-only bond. A hearing to set a new bond is scheduled for next Wednesday. He waived formal arraignment.

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Molly Stawinoga

Molly Stawinoga is ABC 17’s weekday morning anchor and a reporter at ABC 17 News. Molly joined the news team in 2017 while studying political science, journalism and Spanish at the University of Missouri. She is originally from DeKalb, Illinois.

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