NEWARK, Ohio (WTVN)--A Licking County teenager is facing a charge of reckless homicide for the accidental shooting death of his best friend from over the weekend.
15-year-old Noah Bigham appeared in juvenile court Monday to deny the charge.
Court documents indicate Bigham was playing with the handgun, which was equipped with a laser pointer, at the home in Pataskala early Sunday. Bigham pointed the laser at his best friend, in an effort to distract him from a video game, when he pulled the trigger.
The victim died as a result.
Prosecutors are seeking a charge of reckless homicide, as opposed to negligent homicide, indicating the suspect knew the dangers of playing with the gun. Bigham's defense attorney maintains the incident was an accident.
Bigham is due back in court next week.