Teen’s charge is amended to manslaughter

Charges have been amended for a Jonesboro man charged with murder in connection with a Sept. 16 shooting at Bono.

According to court documents, Ethan Thomas was officially charged Oct. 22 with manslaughter and possession of a defaced firearm in connection with the shooting death of 23-year-old Patrick Kidd.

Thomas, 19, originally faced a charge of second-degree murder.

“After reviewing the police reports and speaking with sheriff’s detectives, we believe the facts more closely meet the elements of manslaughter,” said Craighead County deputy prosecutor Grant DeProw. “It’s the role of the prosecuting attorney to make an independent determination of the appropriate charges, based on the available evidence.”

Miles Lozano, 19, of Bono also was arrested and charged with possession of a defaced firearm, tampering with evidence and theft by receiving in connection to this case.

The incident occurred at Lozano’s residence on Craighead County Road 361 in the Bono area. Deputies arrived at the home and were informed that Kidd had been shot in the head, an affidavit said. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to a probable-cause affidavit.

Both suspects said the group had been smoking marijuana when Thomas started playing with a handgun, the affidavit said.

Thomas told police that he thought the gun was empty and decided to “play around.” He said he racked the slide and pointed the gun at Kidd. Thomas told police that Kidd told him “don’t do it,” but he pulled the trigger, the affidavit said.

Lozano said Kidd had told Thomas he didn’t have the b **** to do it, according to the affidavit.

Deputies said the serial numbers on the 9mm pistol used in the shooting had been removed.