A backyard Memorial Day weekend gathering in Crown Point, Indiana, ended with 16-year-old Jason M. Paholik Jr. shot once in the chest on May 28, 2023. The shooting was captured on a doorbell camera; the recording includes the shooter, 18-year-old lifelong friend Denver Johnson, saying he had shot Jason. Those present described the incident as a prank that went horribly wrong after alcohol was consumed and the handgun was handled like a toy. Johnson reportedly believed the gun was unloaded, had previously made the gun safe, but in the wrong sequence left a round in the chamber before pointing it and pulling the trigger.

Charges announced after an initial review included reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, pointing a firearm, and criminal recklessness; prosecutors later upgraded the charges to murder. The victim’s mother, Jennifer Paholik, publicly called the death a tragic accident and urged that charges be reduced, saying the legal fight was worsening the pain for both families. Does anyone have information about that night or the people who were there?