A 20-year-old man in Indiana, Louis Jenkins Jr., has been charged after the death of his 21-year-old girlfriend, Rebecca Carter, in what police describe as a tragic and preventable shooting. The incident reportedly happened while the couple was sitting on a couch and handling a firearm.
What Happened That Night
According to reports, officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a home in Indianapolis around 11:45 p.m. on April 1 after receiving a call about a shooting.
When they arrived, they found Carter with a gunshot wound. She was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but later died from her injuries.
Investigators said multiple people were inside the house at the time, including a juvenile and two young children.
Different Versions of Events
A juvenile witness told police that Carter had been handling the gun and was “playing with it” during a FaceTime call. According to the witness, she was joking around, even kissing the gun, and at one point asked Jenkins to put it in her mouth.
The witness claimed that when Jenkins raised the gun, Carter touched it or hit the trigger, which caused it to fire.
Jenkins, however, gave a different version. He told investigators that another juvenile had been pointing a gun at him, which led him to take out his own firearm. He said his finger slipped while the gun was pointed in Carter’s direction, causing it to go off accidentally.
Statements After the Shooting
Witnesses reported that immediately after the gun fired, Jenkins appeared shocked and said he had made a mistake, mentioning that there was already a bullet in the chamber.
Police say Jenkins later admitted he had been “playing around” with the gun and usually does not keep a bullet ready to fire. After the incident, he reportedly removed the magazine, threw the weapon aside, called his mother, and tried to help Carter.
While being taken by police, Jenkins allegedly made another emotional statement, saying he should have harmed himself instead, as he believed his life was over.
Legal Action and Court Proceedings
Jenkins has been charged with reckless homicide. Prosecutors said the case highlights how dangerous it can be to handle firearms carelessly, especially in a casual or joking manner.
He has since appeared in court and was released after posting a bond of $40,000. His next court appearance, a pretrial conference, is scheduled for June 2.
Remembering Rebecca Carter
Carter’s family described her as a lively and strong person who brought energy and joy to those around her. Her sudden death has left her loved ones in deep grief. They have also shared a message about how quickly life can change, hoping others will learn from this tragedy.
