Fifteen-year-old Jesse Hayes was fatally shot in the face on the night of May 9, 2015, near Leavittsburg in Trumbull County, Ohio. The next day, May 10, 2015, his death was confirmed after an accidental discharge of a shotgun. The weapon was being handled by his 28-year-old cousin, who had been drinking and was reportedly talking about hunting when he showed Jesse the new shotgun and unintentionally pulled the trigger; the cousin said he did not know the gun was loaded.

Warren Township Police interviewed the five people who were in the house and collected evidence. The cousin submitted to alcohol and drug screenings and those results were sent to the prosecutor’s office for review, but no charges were filed. The death was ruled an accident. Anyone who knew Jesse, was at the scene that night, or has information about the circumstances is asked to share what they know.