MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Christopher R. Smith was found guilty of wanton endangerment and involuntary manslaughter in the March shooting death of 16-year-old Damon Sochko-Seals.
Smith, 21, a Morgantown resident originally from Detroit, was reported by police to be “recklessly manipulating” a loaded gun.
According to Smith’s testimony, the gun went off after a dispute among members of the Church Hill Drive household—including the victim’s step-father—where Smith was living in at the time of the incident.
Smith was dating the victim’s sister at the time.
Sochko-Seals was a sophomore at Morgantown High at the time of his death.
In emotional testimony, Smith described having the gun in his possession during the “tense moment” with decisions made that he would remember for the rest of his life.
The prosecution, during cross examination, presented evidence showing Smith had reckless intent while holding the handgun.
Smith’s bail was revoked and he faces six years in prison when sentenced.