Man who was playing with a loaded gun with his friends fatally shot one of them: Authorities

June 5, 2025 Sharon Banks

An Indiana man is in custody after fatally shooting his best friend while handling a firearm during a casual gathering, authorities said.

23-year-old Elliot Hines has been charged with reckless homicide and three felony counts of pointing a firearm in connection with the incident, which occurred Saturday evening in Indianapolis.

According to court documents, witnesses reported that Hines had been “playing with” a loaded handgun and repeatedly pointed it at those present, despite being asked to stop.

The situation escalated when Hines placed the firearm on a dryer and it reportedly discharged, striking a woman he described as his best friend in the head. Responding officers found Hines visibly distraught, with blood on his hands.

Police said he immediately admitted to the shooting, exclaiming, “Oh my god, I can’t believe I just killed someone by accident.”

According to statements recorded in court documents, Hines expressed deep remorse, saying, “I’m sorry… can someone wipe my hands, her blood is all over my hands… I just set it down and it just shot, bro… I f—ing killed her, oh my God… I’m so sorry.” At one point, he reportedly said, “I loved that girl, I would never want to hurt her.”

He also questioned how the shooting could have occurred, allegedly asking an officer, “How does that even happen? I put my firearm down and it f—ing shot!”

Witnesses told investigators that Hines did not consume alcohol until after the incident and had earlier agreed to dismantle the firearm and place it on a nearby vehicle. When he considered fleeing the scene, they reportedly persuaded him to remain until police arrived.

While in custody, Hines reportedly told officers he was experiencing a panic attack and believed his finger may have unintentionally triggered the firearm as he set it down.

He was also described as being preoccupied with the blood on his hands, insisting on washing them and saying he would “freak out” if not allowed to do so. Officers were in the process of photographing his hands for evidence at the time.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from members of the public and gun safety advocates, who argue that the shooting signals the dangers of reckless firearm handling and the need for stricter education on gun safety.

Critics have expressed frustration that, despite clear warnings from friends and visible signs of dangerous behavior, the situation was allowed to escalate.

“This tragedy could have been prevented if basic firearm safety protocols had been followed,” one community member wrote on social media.