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Background: A portion of South Washington Street in Casper, Wyoming (Google Maps). Inset: Sebastian Belden (Natrona County Sheriff”s Office).
In a troubling incident in Wyoming, a man has confessed to shooting a teenager in the head during a game of “quick draw” on Mother’s Day, as confirmed by authorities.
Sebastian Belden, 21, admitted guilt to charges of aggravated assault and battery, according to reports from local media, including Cowboy State Daily. This admission comes as part of a plea agreement with the Natrona County District Attorney’s Office, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
On May 11, Belden was with a friend outside a home on the 100 block of South Washington Street in Casper, Wyoming. The two friends were “mishandling firearms, including pointing loaded handguns at one another,” the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office said.
The practice of playing “quick draw” was reportedly a regular occurrence between Belden and his 16-year-old friend, involving the risky behavior of pointing firearms at one another. Belden even purchased a firearm for the teenager.
On the night in question, the situation turned dire when a gun was not only pointed but discharged. The bullet struck the teenager above his left eye and exited behind his left ear, necessitating emergency medical treatment at a local hospital.
During questioning, Belden described the incident as a “one-in-a-million fluke,” expressing disbelief that a live round was in the chamber, as he believed the safety was engaged. Following the incident, he was arrested on May 23 and is currently held at the Natrona County Detention Center.
Other people were present during the shooting, including Belden’s fiancee and two minors. The defendant initially told them to lie and tell authorities that he tripped with the gun, causing it to go off, Oil City News reported.
However, authorities noted that Belden appeared to have “remorse” for what happened, and he wrote an apology letter to the victim’s family, asking for officers to give it to them.
“The note expressed regret and remorse on behalf of Belden for hurting [the teen],” an affidavit reportedly stated. “The note also indicated that the shooting was a ‘terrible accident’ and asked for the family’s forgiveness.”