Florida Teenager Accused of Accidentally Killing Two Friends with a Single Shot While Playing with Gun

A Florida teenager will reportedly face charges as an adult after being accused of fatally shooting two friends while playing with a firearm earlier this week, police say.

Miami-Dade police say the 15-year-old suspect was handling a gun at a home in the 9000 block of Southwest 320th Street when it accidentally discharged, striking Jose Villarreal III, 15 and Julio Labrada, 14, with a single round. Both victims died at the scene, CBS4 reported.

The incident occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. Monday. The suspect was taken into custody and is scheduled to next appear in court on December 17.

According to WSVN, Labrada was a student at Keys Gate Charter School, while Villarreal III was enrolled at Gateway Environmental K-8 Learning Center, which is part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools district.

It was not immediately clear what school the suspect attended. He has been charged with manslaughter.

The teenagers were in the garage at the time of the incident, WPLG reported. Police said two guns were found in the residence and Miami-Dade authorities confirmed that officials removed a heater that had a bullet hole in it.

The type of firearm involved in the shooting is unknown.

"It is disturbing, it is heartbreaking," said Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. "One gun and one bullet destroys three lives. I think the adults need to consider very seriously how they are keeping guns at home. The precautions they are taking in terms of safekeeping of weapons and keeping them out of the hands of kids. They are not toys."

On Twitter, Carvalho said: "Two lives lost and a third ruined—the tragic consequences that result from weapons being in the wrong hands. Guns should never be accessible to children."

Speaking to CBS4, Miami-Dade Police spokesperson Alvaro Zabaleta echoed Carvalho's stance, saying: "It is so important for parents to educate their children and communicate with them about gun safety and educate their children that having a gun is a great responsibility."

The homeowners have not been named by law enforcement. It was not confirmed if a parent or guardian had been in the home at the time of the allegedly accidental shooting.

"The Keys Gate Charter family is deeply saddened by the loss of Julio Labrada, one of our eighth grade students," school principal Corinne Baez said in a statement this week.

"Grief counselors are on site to help any students or staff who are struggling. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they go through this very difficult time," she added.

The Florida police investigation continues.