TACOMA — A Lakewood man is being held on $60,000 bail after being charged with giving his teenage nephew a gun that was later used to kill a 13-year-old friend near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
The News Tribune reported 21-year-old Richard Gastelum pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a charge of delivery of a firearm to an ineligible person.
Gastelum’s 17-year-old nephew is charged with manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm for the Oct. 20 shooting of Alexander Demello, who died days later.
Police say the victim was with the 17-year-old and his 14-year-old brother in the woods near the base when the shooting happened.
The older boy allegedly told police the shooting was accidental.
Police say witnesses told them the teen got the revolver from his uncle.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
