SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

16 Year Old Shot and Killed By Friend After Apparent Accidental Shooting

On 1/31/2008 at approximately 9:15 pm, Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to the 1500 Block of Christmas Tree Road in reference to a shooting. A 911 caller stated that two juveniles had been playing around with a handgun, causing one of the juveniles to be shot in the chest. When deputies arrived, they found 16 year old Lumon Dakota Smith lying lifeless on the floor inside of his residence. A .44 caliber pistol was laying close by. Deputies assisted family members with emergency treatment in an effort to help Smith. Ambulance personnel arrived shortly after, at which time Smith was pronounced deceased. Investigators with the Sheriff's Office arrived, as well as crime scene personnel, to investigate the situation. The preliminary investigation revealed that both of the teenagers had been playing with the handgun while inside the residence. The shooter, who is not being identified at this time due to his age, was allegedly not aware that the gun was loaded and accidentally shot Smith in the chest. The investigation is ongoing. No further information is being released at this time.

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net