Morris ’Lil Mo’ Joseph Charpentier, III was 17 and a junior at South Lafourche High School when he died of a gunshot wound on October 22, 2016. He was active in JROTC, enjoyed football, and spent time with his younger brother.

Deputies were called to a residence on East Avenue C in Larose around 11:30 p.m. after reports of a shooting and found Charpentier’s body. Investigators say a gathering of several young people was taking place at the home when a handgun discharged. Authorities report that another 17-year-old was handling the firearm when it fired, striking Charpentier in the upper torso; that teen fled the scene with others but later cooperated and admitted involvement. He was booked on negligent homicide with bond set at $100,000.

What details about that night or the people there might help explain how a handgun came to be handled inside the house?