HOUSTON – A man posing with a gun and taking selfies was killed when the gun went off and struck him in southwest Houston, police said.
Family members said the victim is 19-year-old Deleon Alonso Smith.
Investigators said Smith was taking selfies with a gun at an apartment in the 9800 block of Forum Park Drive and Bissonnet around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday when the gun accidentally went off, shooting the 19-year-old in the throat and killing him.
"It's the worst feeling in my life," said the victim's uncle Eric Douglas.
"It's a numb feeling. It's still unbelievable. Yesterday was my birthday and he came to wish me happy birthday, and now this kind of news," said Smith's grandmother Alma Douglas.
Family members said Smith has two young children and was starting college Wednesday.
Investigators said Smith's cousin was in the apartment but in another room when it happened. The cousin told police they found the gun earlier Tuesday, but investigators are working to find out where.
Police said Smith believed the gun was unloaded at the time.
No charges have been filed.
