Deputies allege the suspect was “playing with the handgun” when it discharged, hitting the victim in the back.
Highlights
- Chad Blackard faces several charges, including negligent homicide, third-degree feticide and illegal use of weapons.
- 17-year-old Karrington Smith was 25 weeks pregnant at the time, and her unborn child also died.
- Deputies say Blackard was “playing with the handgun” when it discharged, hitting the victim in the back.
- Blackard told deputies when he tried to reposition the gun, it “went off.” He later stated he squeezed the trigger while readjusting the weapon, according to EBRSO.
- The teen was taken to a local hospital, where she and the unborn child later died.