Friend accidentally shot, killed Bellingham city councilman's son while 'engaging in horeseplay'

FATAL ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING

AARON BORNEMANN, THE SON OF A LONGTIME BELLINGHAM CITY COUNCILMAN IS DEAD TONIGHT.. APPARENTLY SHOT BY HIS OWN FRIEND DURING WHAT POLICE DESCRIBE AS HORSEPLAY.

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — Police say the 23-year-old son of Bellingham City Councilman Terry Bornemann was shot and killed in an accidental shooting Thursday. His friend has been jailed on investigation of first-degree manslaughter.

Lt. Bob Vander Yacht says Aaron Bornemann and his friend, Masen Potter, were hanging out and handling a handgun together at a home Thursday night. He says 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 said he thought the gun was unloaded.

Bornemann was taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center where he died early Friday.

"All of us are going to feel a lot of pain for the Bordemann family," said Mayor Kelli Linville. "How do we prevent these tragedies.?That is a discussion our community will have."

The 21-year-old Potter was booked into Whatcom County Jail. His bail was set at $100,000.