Police: Boyle Heights Man Shot Himself In Possible Love Triangle
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A fatal shooting at a Boyle Heights home early Monday may have been the result of a romantic dispute, according to reports.
A 38-year-old man, who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol, accidentally shot and killed himself with a handgun at a home in the 3200 block of Folsom Street at 12:15 a.m., according to Sgt. Peter Gamino of the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollenbeck Station.
A husband and wife were showing off the handgun to the victim before the husband tried to take the gun away because "he didn't want the friend to shoot himself," Gamino said.
Investigators later learned the homeowner had angrily accused the friend of having an affair with his wife, Gamino told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO.
A struggle ensued while the friend tried to hang onto the weapon and, in the struggle, shot himself in the head, Gamino added.
The identity of the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was not immediately released.
Police are still investigating witness accounts, including at least one conflicting report, to determine exactly what happened.
"We have a witness who's saying he hears our victim saying, 'No, no, no, don't do it, don't do it,' and then a single gunshot," Gamino said.
The homeowner was arrested as investigators checked for gunpowder on the hands of the victim and the homeowner's wife to corroborate the account relayed to police, Gamino said.
It was unclear if any charges would be filed against the homeowner.
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