Harry Bowers, 19, was fatally shot inside a McDonald’s bathroom in Blue Springs, Missouri, on the evening of Monday, November 9, 2020. Officers responding to a shots-fired call at the Highway 7 restaurant arrived about 7:15 p.m. and found Bowers with gunshot wounds; he was taken to a local hospital and later died.

Prosecutors described the shooting as arising from a dangerous game between friends. According to the man charged, 20-year-old Joseph Mayes, Bowers approached him at the urinal, placed a gun against his stomach and pulled the trigger to hear it click. Mayes says he then drew his own gun, pointed it at Bowers and pulled the trigger, not realizing a round was in the chamber. Mayes was charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. Two others who were present were taken into custody; it is not clear whether they faced charges.

Anyone who was at the McDonald’s that evening or who knew Bowers or Mayes is asked to share information with investigators.