Bruneau teen charged with involuntary manslaughter in death of cousin

A 17-year-old male juvenile from Bruneau has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of his 15-year old cousin on August 2, 2007.

Henry Smith, of Utah, died at the scene of a relative's home in Bruneau after being shot with a 40 caliber handgun owned by his cousin.

Owyhee County Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Faulks is not releasing detailed information about the case. However, he said the 17-year old is being charged as a juvenile.

The shooting took place at about 10 p.m. and Bruneau Quick Response EMTs and Owyhee County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to the scene. The victim's parents were in Utah at the time of the shooting but his aunt and uncle were in the house when the incident occurred, according to reports issued by the Owyhee County Sheriff.

A pre-trial conference between the prosecuting attorney, the juvenile and his lawyer is set for September 24 at the Owyhee County Courthouse in Murphy. At that time (unless the juvenile enters a guilty plea) a date and time for an evidentiary hearing will be set. Whether or not the conference will be held in open session is at the discretion of the presiding judge, Faulks indicated.