Columbia man pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A 19-year-old Columbia man accused of accidentally killing his best friend pleaded guilty to second-degree involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday at the Boone County Courthouse.
A sentencing hearing for Shawn Long is set for 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10.
Long allegedly told police in January 2022 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.
Long reportedly told police he didn't know the gun was loaded at the time. Lauer died from the incident. Â Neighbors told ABC 17 News that Lauer and Long were best friends.
Long was initially charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action
