Robert Branton, 31, of Daytona Beach Shores died after an early-morning shooting at the apartment he shared with his girlfriend, Katie Begtrup, on August 20, 2015. He was transported to Halifax Health Medical Center in Port Orange but died shortly after arrival.

Daytona Beach Shores police responded, detained Begtrup for questioning and described the investigation as very active. Officers found a single-barrel shotgun with a shortened barrel and stock and one empty shotgun shell at the scene. Begtrup told dispatchers the shooting was accidental and said she was unaware the firearm was loaded; neighbors reported hearing a muffled gunshot and said the couple generally got along.

No charges or arrests were announced immediately and the department continued to gather evidence and interview witnesses.