Gage David Bodenheimer was 21 when he was shot and killed on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2015, at an apartment complex near Loop 101 and Chandler Boulevard in Chandler, Arizona. Described as free-spirited and kind-hearted, he had been visiting the apartment and, according to witnesses, was asleep on the floor when the shooting occurred.

The person who called 911, 19-year-old Nathaniel Thomas, initially told police he had shot an intruder. Witness statements contradicted that account, saying Thomas had pointed a handgun at the sleeping Gage as a prank, believing the firearm was unloaded. The gun discharged, killing Gage. Thomas was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, with authorities saying his actions displayed indifference to human life; reports note he had a history of gun use and was wearing a holster.

Gage’s family and friends remember him for his warmth and positivity. If anyone was at that apartment that night or has information about what happened, please share what you know.