A June 2014 birthday party in Montoursville, Pennsylvania, ended in the death of 24-year-old Cody Gorsline. Gorsline was a guest at a surprise party for his friend Derek Gair at Gair’s Weldon Street home. After the gathering, Gorsline and Gair went upstairs where Gair took a loaded .38-caliber revolver from a gun safe and showed it to Gorsline. As the handgun was being handed over it discharged; Gorsline was struck once in the head and later died at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville on either the night of Monday, June 15, or sometime on June 16, 2014.

Initial reports included conflicting accounts: Gair said he turned his back and then heard the shot, and Gair’s wife initially told 911 that Gorsline had shot himself. Investigators noted the bullet entry could be consistent with the shot being fired either by Gorsline or by Gair during the exchange; both men had reportedly consumed alcohol at the party. The state police investigated and the Lycoming County District Attorney reviewed the evidence, but no arrest or charges were ever filed.

What details from that night might clarify who handled the gun immediately before it discharged?