Man charged in uncle’s fatal shooting makes court appearance

CLEVELAND (AP) — A man who authorities say accidentally shot and killed his uncle at the victim’s 25th birthday party has been charged with reckless homicide.

Arnold Ragland, 22, made his initial court appearance Wednesday and was released after posting bond. He did not enter plea and it wasn’t clear if he had retained an attorney.

The shooting occurred around 2:30 a.m. Sunday at Emeir Ragland’s home in Cleveland. City police have said Aaron Ragland believed a handgun he was holding was not loaded and accidentally fired a shot, hitting his uncle in the chest.

Emeir Ragland was pronounced dead at the scene.