ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (TCN) — Detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of a man after he and his roommate consumed alcohol and pointed supposedly unloaded guns at each other over the weekend.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, shortly before 5 p.m. on July 21, deputies responded to a residence on 49th Avenue North to a report of a man shot. Officials found 50-year-old Kevin Bishop on the floor inside the home with a single gunshot wound to the chest.
The sheriff’s office said the victim’s roommate, 57-year-old William Tompkins, was also at the scene. Detectives learned Bishop and Tompkins had allegedly consumed alcohol when Bishop showed Tompkins his numerous firearms. Bishop reportedly told his roommate that all of the guns were unloaded at the time.
Further investigation revealed Tompkins and Bishop allegedly “pointed firearms at themselves and each other, pulling the triggers,” but they did not fire. According to the sheriff’s office, Bishop then grabbed a Glock 21 from Tompkins as his fingers released from the weapon. The firearm reportedly went off by accident, hitting Bishop in the chest.
Following the shooting, Tompkins exited the home and called law enforcement. Officials transported Bishop to the hospital, and he was pronounced deceased.
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