Texas Soldier Accidentally Shoots and Kills Fellow Soldier Who Had Hiccups

Police say one Central Texas soldier has been charged with the apparent accidental shooting death of another who had the hiccups.

Killeen police say the Fort Hood soldiers allegedly were drinking alcohol and watching football when the incident happened Sunday night.

Bell County Jail records show Spc. Patrick Edward Myers of Spartanburg, S.C., was being held Tuesday on a manslaughter charge with bond set at $1 million. Online jail records did not list an attorney for Myers, who was booked Monday.

An arrest affidavit says Myers apparently pointed a gun at the victim's head to scare him and stop the hiccups. Myers allegedly thought the gun had dummy rounds when it discharged.

A Fort Hood spokesman has declined to release the name of the 22-year-old victim, pending notification of next of kin.

Associated Press