Distraught teen takes his own life after accidentally shooting friend
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) – The father of a Kalamazoo teenager says police told him his son was so upset from accidentally shooting his friend, he turned the gun on himself.
Jonathan Frazier, the father of 17-year-old Marsavious Frazier, spoke with WISH-TV’s sister station WOOD on Tuesday, hours after officers found his son’s body in alley in the 1500 block of Clinton Avenue, near his friend, 17-year-old Daqarion Hunter.
“I didn’t believe it. I didn’t believe it at all,” said Jonathan Frazier.
Police told Jonathan Frazier that the teenagers were playing with a gun around 9 p.m. Monday when it went off by accident and the bullet hit Hunter, killing him. They said Marsavious became distraught about the shooting and fatally shot himself.
“We’re devastated. We’re sick as hell. My baby, man, he’s gone; I don’t know what else to do,” said Jonathan Frazier.
Police said evidence found at the scene supported statements of a friend who witnessed the shooting. The friend said there was no argument or altercation between the teens before the shooting.
“The young man thought there was no way out. He felt responsible for taking his friend’s life. In that moment of despair, (he) took his own life, so it’s very very tragic and very unfortunate, and I don’t want to exclude the young man who was a witness. He witnessed two of his friends die, he actually held one of them, so this young man is going to need some prayers and some counseling,” said Capt. Victor Ledbetter with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.
Both teens had ties to the Kalamazoo Public Schools district. Hunter had graduated from Loy Norrix High School in June and Marsavious Frazier attended Phoenix High School, KPS Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said in a statement.
Marsavious’ father said his son, who family called “Savie”, was funny, headstrong and loved basketball.
“I just want to say I miss my baby. I wish he was here. That’s all I’ve got to say,” Jonathan Frazier said.
Friends planned a Tuesday evening vigil for the teens at Milwood Middle School. Grief counselors will be available at both high schools as long as they’re needed, Rice said.
There were initial reports Monday that the shooting involved a police officer; however, KDPS reiterated Tuesday those reports were not true. Authorities say no officers were involved in the shooting other than to render aid, as well as to investigate the scene.
Police say the gun wasn’t properly registered so they have no idea where it came from. Neither does Frazier’s father.
“Normal teenagers, you know they do what kids do, I just didn’t see this coming at all,” said Jonathan Frazier.
Anyone with information in this case should call KDPS at 269-337-8994 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.