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Man sent to prison in death of Bellingham councilman's son

Published  March 3, 2016 7:09am PST
Associated Press

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — A Bellingham man charged in the fatal shooting of a 23-year-old friend who was the son of City Councilman Terry Bornemann has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison.

The Bellingham Herald reports that 22-year-old Masen Potter pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter Wednesday in the April 2015 death of Aaron Bornemann.

Authorities say Aaron Bornemann and Potter had been hanging out and handling a handgun together at a home. Police Lt. Bob Vander Yacht had said the two were "engaging in horseplay" when Potter grabbed the handgun, pointed it at Bornemann's head and pulled the trigger.

According to police, Potter told police at the scene he had shot his friend and said he thought the gun wasn't loaded.

Bornemann was taken to a hospital where he died.