HAMPSHIRE, Ill. (WLS) — A 17-year-old high school wrestler was shot and killed in a west suburban home over the weekend, friends and family said.
Deegan Kirschke, 17, was killed inside a home in the 100-block of High Street in Hampshire around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, officials said.
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Keyshaun D. Davis, 20, from Hampshire, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, endangering the life or health of a child, reckless discharge of a firearm, and possession of a firearm and ammunition without a firearm owner’s identification card in relation to Kirschke’s death.
Davis appeared in court Monday on the charges.
Prosecutors said, on Saturday, Kirschke and another friend were at Davis’ home.
They said Davis took his mother’s gun from her bedroom, and was having a contest to see who could disassemble it the fastest.
At some point, he picked up the loaded weapon and pulled the trigger, prosecutors said.
A single bullet struck Kirschke in the abdomen, killing him.
Many of Kirschke’s family and friends were in court to hear as the alleged gunman appeared in front of the judge.
Davis sat in court sobbing while prosecutors recounted the shooting.
Prosecutors say, while his mother is a FOID card holder and legally owned the gun, Davis had no legal right to have a gun.
The state asked that Davis be held without release. But he has no criminal record, and the judge opted to allow his release pretrial.
Kirschke’s family, who was clearly emotional, declined to speak to reporters after court.
A statement was released saying, in part, “Deegan was much more than just a 17-year-old kid. He was a son, a grandson, a teammate, and a friend. As a high school wrestler, he worked diligently on the mat and brought that same dedication and kindness to every aspect of his life. His smile, energy, and caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone who met him.”
“On behalf of the entire District 300 community, I extend my deepest condolences to Deegan’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. Hampshire High School is dedicated to supporting its students and staff as they cope with this loss, providing counseling services to offer care and support to those who need it,” stated Community Unit School District 300 Superintendent Martina Smith.
A GoFundMe has been created for funeral expenses.
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