Harris County Teen Charged with Manslaughter After Cousin Dies in Accidental Shooting

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A 16-year-old has been charged with manslaughter after investigators determined he accidentally shot and killed his teenage cousin while attempting to disassemble a handgun.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on June 30, 2026, to a shooting at a residence in the 17200 block of Dark Cavern Court in northwest Harris County.

When deputies arrived, they found 16-year-old Joseph Kelly-Holloway suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

He was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

On July 10, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit was notified by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences that Kelly-Holloway had died from his injuries.

Investigation Leads to Manslaughter Charge

Homicide detectives launched an investigation into the teenager’s death and determined the shooting occurred while Joseph’s 16-year-old cousin was attempting to disassemble a handgun.

According to investigators, the firearm discharged during the process, striking Kelly-Holloway in the abdomen.

Detectives subsequently charged the juvenile cousin with manslaughter.

Because the suspect is a juvenile, his identity has not been released.

The teen was booked into the Harris County Juvenile Center without incident.

The investigation has been completed by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit.