Georgia Teen Sebastian Prestridge Charged After Girlfriend Nina Ramirez Fatally Shot During Alleged ‘Accidental’ Gun Play at Sleepover

A Georgia teenager has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after allegedly shooting his 19-year-old girlfriend during what police say was an accidental discharge at a Lawrenceville home last week.

Sebastian Prestridge, 19, of Gwinnett County, was arrested and charged in connection with the death of Nina Barron Ramirez, 19, according to WSB-TV.

Authorities say the shooting occurred just before 1:30 a.m. Thursday during a sleepover at the victim’s family home involving a group of friends.

According to the victim’s mother, Maria Carmen Ramirez, the teens had begun “playing with the gun” when Prestridge pointed the weapon at his girlfriend and it went off, striking her fatally.

The gun, she said, belonged to a friend of Prestridge. Investigators report that Prestridge told officers he did not realize the firearm was loaded. Police said he remained at the scene and cooperated with responding officers.

Nina Ramirez Georgia teen girl shot dead by boyfriend playing with gun during sleepover

Lawrenceville Police are continuing to investigate the shooting, which they have not characterized as intentional. It remains unclear whether the gun’s owner warned the group that it was loaded or if anyone checked the weapon before handling it.

Maria Carmen Ramirez described the tragedy as an accident and a painful reminder of the need for proper gun safety.

“When you get mad and these things happen, you want to find someone guilty, but I think it was just an accident,” she told WSB.

“People have to take care of the guns and save it in a safe place. It’s not okay that this kind of accidents happen.”

Captain Dena Pauly, public information officer for the Lawrenceville Police Department, called the incident heartbreaking:

“This is an incredibly tragic situation, and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones. Our investigators are working diligently to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this young woman’s death.”

Prestridge remains held at the Gwinnett County Jail without bond as authorities continue their investigation.

Nina Ramirez Georgia teen girl shot dead by boyfriend playing with gun during sleepover