A 21-year-old man in Texas is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting his cousin during a supposed test of reaction time. The accused, Jose Magareno, is currently detained at the Dallas County Detention Center, according to court documents.
The tragic incident reportedly took place on Monday around 5 p.m. Emmanuel Najera, the 19-year-old victim, and his younger brother had gone to Magareno’s residence to celebrate Najera’s birthday. During their visit, the conversation turned to firearms and concealed carry, leading them to Magareno’s room.
Local reports from Fox affiliate KDFW suggest that Magareno handed Najera a gun, expressing his intention to “test his reaction time.” Magareno later told law enforcement officials that he had tried to unload his firearm prior to the incident.
The situation escalated when Magareno allegedly shot his younger cousin. He is said to have dialed 911 himself, informing the operator that he had “accidentally” shot Najera in the chest. Dallas Police Department officers were dispatched to the scene on the 6300 block of Parkdale Drive in Dallas. Najera was rushed to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
Following his arrest, Magareno reportedly shared more information about the incident with the officers. He claimed that he frequently practiced with his firearm and was under the impression that he had removed all the bullets before pulling the trigger.
Magareno was booked into jail on murder charges early Tuesday morning. As of Tuesday, the investigation into the case was ongoing.