Local News in Brief : Manslaughter Charged in Shooting of Friend

An involuntary manslaughter charge has been filed against John Keleman, an 18-year-old Canoga Park man who fatally shot a friend Friday after the two had returned to the San Fernando Valley following a day spent shooting rifles in the desert, Los Angeles police said Wednesday.

Police Detective Stan Miller said Keleman and Colin Brooks, also 18, were “messing around” with two rifles on the patio at Brooks’ Canoga Park house when Keleman fired one shot from a semi-automatic rifle, the bullet striking Brooks in the head.

He died instantly.

Keleman said the rifle slipped off his shoulder and discharged, according to Miller. Investigators said they believe Keleman pointed the gun at Brooks and fired the fatal shot.

“The investigation at the scene and everything showed that they were probably messing around, and it’s possible Keleman didn’t know the gun was loaded, which is why the charge is involuntary manslaughter,” Miller said.

Keleman was arrested on suspicion of murder the day of the shooting and was being held without bail in the West Valley Jail. The involuntary manslaughter charge was filed Tuesday by the district attorney’s office.