District Attorney: Parents Not Charged in Chandler Shooting

Staff and Wire Reports

CHANDLER, Oklahoma -- The parents of a Chandler teenager killed in an accidental shooting last month will not face criminal charges, this after the Lincoln County prosecutor decided not to pursue a case.

District Attorney Richard Smothermon says it's illegal for a minor to possess a pistol. So he made his determination based on who actually owned the weapon.

Michael Contway, 13, was shot and killed last week by his 13-year-old friend.

According to a family member at the time, Contway's parents gave him a pistol as a Christmas gift. It was that pistol that claimed the boy's life.

After doing some more investigating it appears the boy never did own the pistol.

There still could be charges for the shooting itself involving the other juvenile. The district attorney could not comment on that part of the investigation.

A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine for a first offense.

Funeral services for Michael Contway were held Saturday morning.