Missoula teen denies negligent homicide charge

Accused of accidentally shooting 16-year-old girl last weekend

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a pitch-black background, the harsh flash illuminating the metallic texture and form of the object in stark detail, conceptually representing the aftermath of an accidental shooting.A single bullet casing becomes the haunting symbol of a preventable tragedy involving a minor and a firearm.Missoula Today

A 15-year-old Missoula boy has denied a negligent homicide charge against him after he allegedly accidentally shot and killed a 16-year-old girl last weekend.

Why it matters

Accidental gun deaths involving minors are an ongoing public safety issue, raising concerns about firearm storage, education, and the role of parental responsibility.

The details

The 15-year-old boy appeared in court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the negligent homicide charge. Authorities say the shooting occurred last weekend in Missoula, Montana.

  • The shooting incident happened last weekend in Missoula.
  • The 15-year-old boy appeared in court on Thursday and denied the negligent homicide charge.

The players

15-year-old Missoula boy

The minor accused of accidentally shooting and killing a 16-year-old girl.

16-year-old girl

The victim who was accidentally shot and killed by the 15-year-old boy.

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What’s next

The judge will determine if the 15-year-old boy will be tried as a minor or an adult for the negligent homicide charge.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the critical need for better firearm safety education and storage practices to prevent accidental gun deaths, especially among minors.