Austin Brunson, 22, of Bradenton, Florida, died of a gunshot wound on June 7, 2014. The shooting happened around 8:30 p.m. at the 30 West Apartments, where he lived with his best friend and roommate, 22-year-old Kyle Guessford.

Manatee County authorities charged Guessford with manslaughter with a firearm; investigators and the charging documents state Guessford accidentally shot Austin after believing the pistol was not loaded. Bond was set at $25,000 and the case experienced multiple trial delays while Guessford maintained the shooting was accidental.

Austin was remembered by family and friends for his gentle spirit, his love of playing guitar, and his involvement in ice hockey.