Student, 16, Arrested in Classmate’s Shooting Death

Police arrested a 16-year-old Sylmar High School student Tuesday on suspicion of homicide and a prosecutor said he will probably be charged with manslaughter in the accidental death of a 14-year-old classmate.

The youth, who was not identified because he is a juvenile, shot and killed Chris Mitchell, a friend, after they had skipped school, police said.

The shooting took place at the 16-year-old’s condominium March 9. Five boys were “horsing around” when the 16-year-old pulled out the gun, Deputy Dist. Atty. Richard Taklander said.

He pointed the gun at Chris’ head and pulled the trigger, Taklander said. The gun went off, and a single bullet struck Chris in the face, Taklander said.

Police said that as Chris crumpled to the floor, his fellow truants fled from the apartment--except the 16-year-old, who called an ambulance. Chris was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We had children playing with a gun, and the gun, unfortunately, was loaded,” Taklander said. “I think everybody agrees that it was an accident.”

But the 16-year-old still could be punished for his carelessness, Taklander said. The youth could face charges ranging from negligent discharge of a firearm to murder, but will probably be charged with manslaughter “based on what I’ve heard,” Taklander said.

Police would not say how the youth, who lives in Sylmar, obtained the gun. But Taklander said he did not expect charges would be brought against anyone else in the case.

Family and friends buried Chris at San Fernando Mission cemetery Tuesday morning.

The Sylmar High freshman has been described as an energetic, adventurous youth.

After the services, his family retreated to their Sylmar home. They said they were aware of the arrest but did not want to comment.

“I didn’t know that family,” said Chris’ mother, Christy Mitchell. “I had met the kid once.”

Times staff writer L.D. Straub contributed to this story.