Ralph Buzzy Harless was 12 when he died of a gunshot wound in Roanoke, Virginia, on August 2, 1983. Reports describe the shooting as the result of a game of Russian roulette played by youths rather than a random attack.

A 14-year-old boy was implicated, arrested and prosecuted for the fatal shooting. The legal process concluded with that teenager being convicted in connection with Ralph Harless’s death.

The case is a stark example of how a single act of recklessness with a firearm ended a child’s life. If anyone knew Ralph, was present that day, or has information about what happened, please share what you know.