Police Suspect Teen Shooting Death Was Accidental

By Brian Vargo

Published on July 25, 2005

The victim of the accident, which occurred after the two boys had been drinking, was identified as 15-year-old Michael Cale. Police have not released information on the other boy.

Police say Cale was shot in the head at around 1 a.m. Sunday and pronounced dead at Marietta Memorial Hospital.

"All indications are that this was an accidental shooting," Capt. Jeff Waite said. "They had gone upstairs and were looking at a gun, one pulled the trigger believing the gun was unloaded and the gun fired."

Sgt. Rick Meek, a detective, declined to discuss details of the investigation, including where the boys were drinking and how they got alcohol.

Norita Barton said the shooting occurred at her house, and that her 15-year-old grandson was the suspected shooter. Barton wasn't home at the time of the incident, but said one of her son's handguns was used.

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