Malmstrom airman charged in death after alleged horseplay

[unhappycamper]

Malmstrom airman charged in death after alleged horseplay
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday May 7, 2008 7:22:33 EDT

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — A decorated Iraq war veteran has been charged in the shooting death of a fellow airman.

Jonathon Higgins, 22, appeared in court Tuesday on a charge of negligent homicide for the death of 20-year-old John Howry. The pair served in the 341st Space Wing Security Forces Squadron stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.

“The Air Force and the leadership of the 341st Space Wing send their condolences to the family and friends of the victim,” Col. Paul Gydesen, vice commander of the unit, said in a statement. “We stand ready to support the family and friends in any way possible during their time of need.”

According to court documents, a witness told police the two men were “goofing around” at a party Monday evening when Howry took out a knife and jokingly said he was going to “shave” Higgins.

The witness said Higgins pulled a .40-caliber handgun from his waistband and fired, according to the documents. Howry died a short time later at a hospital with a wound to his lower abdomen.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/05/ap_airmanshooting_050708/

[nichomachus]

1. I beg to differ

When you show up at a party with a knife or a loaded .40-caliber handgun in the waistband of your pants, whatever ensues is not "horseplay." Horseplay is when you start wrestling or playing touch football.