ONLY ON 13: Fort Ann teen pleads guilty to manslaughter in 14-year-old boy’s shooting death
The Fort Ann teen accused of shooting and killing a 14-year-old boy at his home last year pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Tuesday – after previously rejecting a deal last month.
Jaden Walden, 18, admitted in Washington County Court that he caused the death of Rycky Stark Jr. on Aug. 16. Walden was with a group of teens, when he pointed the shotgun in Stark’s direction, not realizing the gun was loaded. The gun fired and struck Stark in the abdomen, killing him, police said.
The shooting was not intentional, investigators said. Walden also pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct for allegedly having sexual relations with a minor girl inside the apartment.
Last month, Walden rejected a plea deal. He was concerned about the wide range of potential sentence – anywhere from 6 months in jail to up to 10 years in prison.