BILLINGS, Mont. — Authorities are considering whether to bring criminal charges against a Montana 17-year-old who fired a bullet through his bedroom window, killing his friend in a case that an investigator described as an accident.
The unidentified suspect had been startled when Mackeon Schulte, 15, and another friend knocked on his window early Sunday, Billings Police Capt. John Bedford said.
The alarmed teen grabbed a revolver described as a family heirloom and shot through the glass, striking Schulte in the head, Bedford said.
Police are investigating the shooting as a homicide but it will be up to prosecutors to decide on charges. Bedford said the suspect was not considered a danger, and criminal charges could run the risk of “compounding a horrible situation.”
“We’re not going to rush to judgment,” Bedford said. “There’s enough damage that’s already been done.”
Prosecutors are planning a lengthy review, Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito said.
The victim’s family could not be reached for comment.
Both the victim and the suspect went to Billings Senior High School, located just a block from the shooting scene. Outside the school Tuesday, several classmates described Schulte and the suspect as good friends.
Freshman Betty Mitchell said the two were close and that the suspect’s house was previously broken into, and he was probably scared when he heard noises outside his window.
Neighbors described the suspect as friendly. “He’s a great kid, and it’s a really nice family,” said Emily Duncan, who lives next door. “We’re just sad they’re going through this.”
