Local news reports
An 18-year-old Muskegon man has been sentenced to 7 1/2 to 17 years
in prison for accidentally killing a longtime friend while they were
playing with a gun.
Muskegon County Circuit Judge Timothy G. Hicks issued the sentence Monday to Vance T. Thompson.
Before receiving the sentence, Thompson read a letter saying he feels
devastated by the death of 17-year-old Charles White Jr. and says it
was like losing a twin.
They say Thompson fled after the Nov. 19, 2013, shooting, then tried to discard the gun.
Thompson pleaded no-contest July 9 to involuntary manslaughter,
evidence tampering and possessing a firearm during a felony. A “no
contest” plea isn’t an admission of guilt but allows for conviction.
The 6 ways to ensure that you go to jail for an accidental shooting:
1. do it in a residential area
2. lie to the police
3. hide evidence
4. have neck tattoos
5. have dred locks
6. be black or Hispanic
The article mentions the first three but I'll bet he had more than that.
Debate Magazine
