Russian Roulette Leaves Torrance 17-Year Old Dead

An employee at John Jovino Co. holds a revolver on Thursday, June 26, 2008 in New York. Th
AP Photo/Seth Wenig

A 17-year-old young man died Monday after holding a gun to his head and pulling the trigger in an early morning game of Russian roulette in Torrance, California.

Neighbors said they heard screams, which may have been the teen’s three cousins pleading with him to drop the .38 Special revolver. Responding to reports of the screaming, a security guard investigated and called 911 after finding the teen with a gunshot wound to the head, he told NBC Los Angeles. “He was on the ground, gasping for air, saying he really needs some help,” security guard Donald Gordon said.

Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of gunfire at the Torrance apartment around 4 a.m. NBLA relayed a Sheriff’s report that the teen was transported to the hospital, but was pronounced dead after arrival.

Homicide detectives say the young man’s family did not even know he had a gun, reported NBC LA. “They were pleading with him not to play with the gun, not to play Russian roulette,” said L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s Sgt. Scott Hoglund according to NBC LA, “The victim did not listen and proceeded to put the gun to his head and pull the trigger.”

The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the events, who the weapon is registered to and how the teen obtained the weapon. No one has been arrested at this time.

Follow Michelle Moons on Twitter @MichelleDiana

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