Kenton County man pleads guilty to fatally shooting teen

CONVINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A Kenton County man pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the shooting death of a teenager.

The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office says 19-year David Henry told a judge Tuesday he didn’t realize the handgun he had was loaded when it went off and killed 16-year-old Jaden Casey in 2019.

In September of last year, Covington Police went to the 3000 block of Sugarcamp Road for the reported shooting. Officers say they found Casey in a bedroom, suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head. They say Casey died from his injuries a short time later.

While at the scene, officers say Henry approached them and said the shooting was his fault. They say Henry continued by saying multiple friends, including Casey, had been handling multiple handguns when Henry’s “accidentally” went off, hitting Casey in the back of the neck.

Detectives say Henry later admitted to smoking marijuana with his friends before the shooting.

Attorneys recommended a five year prison sentence.

Final sentencing will be held on April 7.