SOMERSET TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY--- Robert Duda was sentenced to 5 years probation in the accidental shooting death of his 14-year old son.
Duda was also ordered to pay the cost of fines and contribute more than 100 hours of community service.
Duda's son Bryan died after his father pointed his gun at him and it went off hitting the teen in the side. Duda told police that the two of them were "joking around" and he thought the gun was empty. It happened back on September 15, 2011, Duda was charged October 17, 2011. He pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person in April.
Tuesday Duda left the court house with 'no comment."
"This was tragic accident and Mr. Duda and his family have been living with it and will live with it the rest of their lives," said Defense Attorney Brian Salisbury.
"After the investigation it was clear there was no criminal intent," said District Attorney Lisa Lazzari- Strasiser. "This is a direct result of not criminal behavior but mistreating a firearm."
Duda was also ordered to pay the cost of fines and contribute more than 100 hours of community service.
Duda's son Bryan died after his father pointed his gun at him and it went off hitting the teen in the side. Duda told police that the two of them were "joking around" and he thought the gun was empty. It happened back on September 15, 2011, Duda was charged October 17, 2011. He pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person in April.
Tuesday Duda left the court house with 'no comment."
"This was tragic accident and Mr. Duda and his family have been living with it and will live with it the rest of their lives," said Defense Attorney Brian Salisbury.
"After the investigation it was clear there was no criminal intent," said District Attorney Lisa Lazzari- Strasiser. "This is a direct result of not criminal behavior but mistreating a firearm."
