Initially, Kern County Sheriff's deputies believed a 14-year-old boy had killed himself when they responded to reports of a shooting on 25th Street West, just west of Highway 14.

However, a KCSO pathologist discovered it would not have been possible for the 14-year-old to shoot himself the way it was described. Upon further investigation, it was determined that 19-year-old Deon Davidson, who was in the apartment during the shooting, had been handling the shotgun when it accidentally discharged and hit the 14-year-old boy in the chest.

KCSO has submitted the case to the District Attorney's office and recommended a charge of involuntary manslaughter.