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Accidental shooting near Airline Highway claims one life

3 years 8 months 2 weeks ago Saturday, July 04 2020 Jul 4, 2020 July 04, 2020 5:51 PM July 04, 2020 in News
Source: WBRZ Staff
Janosch Joushua Belle

BATON ROUGE - Emergency crews responded to a fatal shooting near Airline Highway Saturday afternoon.

At 6 p.m. deputies responded to the 4000 block of N. Fuller Place.

Thomas Edelen, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office, the victim was visiting Janosch Joushua Belle, 18, and his family for the holiday to eat barbecue with his family. That is when Belle and the victim went to Belle's bedroom to show off his "assault style rifle." 

In a report, Belle told authorities that he disassembled the weapon, cleaned it, and then reassembled it. The accused then loaded the magazine, pulled the slide, and loaded a bullet into the chamber. While pointing the rifle at Edelen, Belle pulled the trigger and shot the victim in the head. Belle told officials, "I just wasn't thinking," after firing the gun.

Belle admitted to being at the gun range numerous times and being aware of gun safety rules. 

Belle has been charged with negligent homicide.

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