A shocking and tragic incident unfolded in Kearns, Utah, where a young man lost his life after attempting to prove he could dodge bullets.
Ashton Jonathan Mann, 23, was arrested on charges of second-degree felony manslaughter and a third-degree felony firearm-related offence after fatally shooting his friend during a reckless test of reflexes.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 2nd. Police responded to a distress call at a local residence, where they discovered the victim lying unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite being rushed to the hospital, doctors were unable to save him.
During questioning, Mann admitted that he and his friend had been smoking marijuana and discussing firearms before deciding to test the victim’s ability to dodge bullets. They moved to the garage, where Mann believed both guns had been unloaded. According to his statement, they played the dangerous game six times, with Mann firing what he thought was an empty gun at his friend—until the final shot turned deadly.
“[Mann] said the final time the gun fired, striking [the victim] in the chest,” the arrest documents revealed.
Mann claimed he attempted first aid until paramedics arrived, but the victim remained unresponsive. Upon searching the home, authorities found two handguns, ammunition, magazines, and drug paraphernalia consistent with marijuana use.
The case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of reckless firearm handling and the fatal consequences of playing with loaded weapons. Mann now faces serious legal consequences as the investigation continues.
