Police Chief Addresses Report About Ethan Song's Death: UPDATE

GUILFORD, CT — Guilford's Police Chief responded in length to a Hartford Courant report Wednesday that Ethan Song, 15, may have been accidentally killed with a gun last week while playing a form of Russian roulette. Ethan and another juvenile were inside a Seaside Avenue home alone last week and police are investigating whether they were playing with the gun, which they didn't think was loaded, the Courant exclusively reports.

The home was rented by private investigator Daniel Markle, the son of former New Haven State's Attorney Arnold Markle, the Courant reports. The Courant makes it clear that police don't believe the boys knew that there was a bullet in the gun chamber. Police have released very few details about Ethan's death, except to say he suffered a gunshot wound inside a house.

On Thursday, Police Chief Jeffrey Hutchinson addressed the Hartford Courant's report in detail.

"The Guilford Police Department is continuing their investigation into the death of Ethan Song. Our goal is to provide the most updated and accurate information to the family and the public while maintaining the integrity of the investigation. The nature of investigation is such that answers cannot always be provided as quickly as some would like. This is a tragedy not only for the Song family but also for the family of the other juvenile involved and the community as a whole," Hutchinson said.

"Rumors surrounding the circumstances of Ethan Song's death immediately circulated via social media applications and word of mouth. Unfortunately, we have no control over rumors or speculation other than to provide the most updated and factual information possible. With that in mind, on February 7, 2018 an article was published regarding the Ethan Song investigation. Following its publication we have received multiple inquiries from other media outlets and the public seeking to verify what was printed. We feel it is important to address certain reported information. We have no evidence or information to suggest that the teens were playing a version of Russian roulette or that the boys thought the gun was unloaded because there was no magazine in it," Hutchinson said.

"The Guilford Police Department is working closely with the State's Attorney's office and we are continuing to investigate whether any charges will be filed as a result of this tragic death. We will not be releasing any information regarding the second youth in the home at the time of Ethan's death, nor will we be releasing any additional evidence or information related to this case as this is an active investigation."

"News organizations have been both professional and patient in their reporting on this story and the Guilford Police Department would like to commend and thank them for continuing to do so as facts surrounding the case develop. We will provide more information when it becomes available and appropriate for release," Hutchinson concludes.

Since Ethan's death, the Guilford community and beyond have rallied to show support for the families impacted. A vigil was held last week attracting hundreds of people to the Green.

Ethan's family set up a GoFundMe last week and all of the funds raised will go toward causes Ethan cared about. The Song family set a $5,000 goal February 1. As of publication, the page had raised more than $98,000.

The Song's message on the page says this: "This is a memorial to fund the life of Ethan Miller Song who passed away tragically on 1/31/2018. Money raised will go to support causes that Ethan believed in such as Animal Rights, Human Rights, and Gun Education and Advocacy. Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts, prayers, and love." Mike, Kristin, Emily ad Evan Song

The message resonated, perhaps in part because of a note that all the money would go to various causes. Whatever the reason, as of Wednesday morning there have been close 1,500 donations in four days and the page has been shared nearly 5,000 times on social media.

Ethan was a freshman at Guilford High School and was expected to graduate with the Class of 2021.

For more details on the Courant's investigative report led by Reporter Dave Altimari click here.