A 15 year old boy from Klamath Falls is behind bars tonight, accused of shooting and killing a teen in Keno on Sunday.
The victim has been identified as 15 year old Mason Tucker, a sophomore at Henley High School.
“A very somber mood here at Henley High today.” Noted Principal Mark Risen. “With losing a student, and having another student involved in the situation.”
That other student is 15 year old Carson McDowell, who is accused of firing the shot that killed Tucker.
The shooting took place at Tucker’s home just south of Keno late Sunday morning.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that it was not an accident.” Stated Klamath County Deputy District Attorney Sharon Forster. “And as a result of that, he was arraigned in Klamath County District Court for manslaughter in the first degree.”
Principal Risen noted that students and teachers at Henley High School were told of Tucker’s death this morning.
“We do have professional counselors on site today, we do have a safe room for kids to attend, where if they feel as if they want to grieve, or their emotions are just getting the better of them.”
Carson McDowell has no prior criminal history, and was reportedly close friends with Mason Tucker.
Tucker often wore camouflage clothing to Henley…and Principal Risen notes that many students are planning to wear camo clothing this Friday in his honor.
“Very nice young man. We’ll be celebrating him later this week, with a ‘camo day’ here at school, kind of in memorial to Mason.”
KOTI spoke with Mason’s mother on the phone, and she elected not to be on camera. However, she did want to state that her son Mason was a ‘leader’. She’s heartbroken. She stated that Mason was filled with compassion, was a respectful, and loved the outdoors.
First degree manslaughter is a measure 11 offense, carrying a mandatory 10 year prison sentence.
Information from the case is scheduled to go before a grand jury on Thursday.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.