South Carolina Marine shoots another Marine at party accidentally

Marine accidentally shoots friend at party, police say
Published Sat, Aug 16, 2008 3:20 PM
By MEGHANN ACKERMAN
mackerman@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5537
A young Marine, thinking his gun was not loaded, allegedly shot his friend, also a Marine, early Saturday.

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is investigating the shooting, which occurred at party at a Polk Village residence.

Around 1 a.m. Saturday sheriff's deputies were called to 2809 Second St. for a report of a gunshot victim. According to party-goers, just prior to the shooting, Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick King, 21, had been playing with a handgun that he'd brought with him to the party.

King allegedly did not know the gun was loaded and pointed the gun at a friend and pulled the trigger. Witnesses reported that there had been no argument between King and his friend, also a 21-year old Marine, and that the shooting was not intentional.

The injured man was taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital, then transported to Medical University of South Carolina.

King was arrested and charged with assault and battery with intent to kill. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Investigator Cpl. J. Kelleher at 843-470-3217.
http://www.beaufortgazette.com/local/story/524526.html