2nd Teen This Month Accidentally Kills Friend in PG County, Police Say

BLADENSBURG, MD — For the second time in less than two weeks, a teenager is facing manslaughter charges for being careless with a gun and accidentally killing his friend.

Police have arrested 17-year-old Erik Lopez of Landover Hills on manslaughter and weapons charges after they say he accidentally shot to death his 16-year-old friend Diego Gomez-Martinez at around 8 p.m. Sept. 22, according to a report from the Prince George's County Police Department.

Police responded to the 4200 block of 58th Avenue in Bladensburg to find Gomez-Martinez suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital, but he died a few hours later.

After an investigation, police discovered that Lopez had been handling a weapon "which discharged and struck the victim," according to the report, which notes that Lopez then fled the area. He was arrested Monday evening.

Lopez is being charged as an adult and is currently at the Department of Corrections on a $200,000 bond.

On Sept. 15, 18-year-old Henry Reyes was jailed on manslaughter and weapons charges after police say he accidentally fatally shot his 21-year-old friend, Eulises Alvarado Reyes, in Hyattsville. Police said he "was handling a weapon which discharged and struck the victim."

The report adds: " Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text, “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online."

Image via Prince George's County Police Department