Watch CBS News

Man charged after accidentally shooting, killing sister while assembling ghost gun in Chicago Lawn

CBS News Live
CBS News Chicago Live

CHICAGO (CBS) –  A man is charged with involuntary manslaughter after shooting and killing his sister while assembling a ghost gun in Chicago Lawn Tuesday night.

Chicago police said the victim was struck in the head by gunfire, in the 2400 block of West Marquette Road shortly before 7 p.m.   

Assistant State's Attorney Danny Hanichak said Lawrence Daniels, 20, and his sister, Shaniya Daniels, 15, were in a bedroom when the shooting occurred. 

His brother was in the bathroom when he heard a gunshot from the bedroom and ran in and saw his sister on the ground with a gunshot wound to the forehead, Hanichak said.

The father was arriving home at the time and helped the brother render aid to the victim as the mother called 911.

Police arrested Daniels who was about a half block away from the apartment. 

A call from 911 says a bag was dropped from the 3rd-floor window of the apartment. Officers found the bag containing a partially disassembled ghost gun along with another 9mm handgun with an extended magazine that matched the casing and round spent recovered from the bedroom. 

Daniels admitted to throwing the gun out the window, Hanichak said.  

He told detectives that he accidentally shot his sister with the ghost gun he got from a friend a couple of months ago and it was only 80% assembled. He said there were no screws in the gun and it wasn't supposed to work.

The gun went off after he accidentally touched the trigger, Hanichak said.  

The family said they didn't hear any arguing or fighting coming from the bedroom and the two were getting along fine with no problems at that time.

Daniels has no prior felony or misdemeanor convictions. 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.