LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. — A Lebanon County couple is facing manslaughter and reckless endangerment charges following their roommate's death.
According to the Lebanon County Office of the District Attorney, on April 12, officers were dispatched to a local hospital for a report of a gunshot victim.
Police determined the victim, Hector Pomales-Torres, was shot in his home. Investigators discovered that before his death, Pomales-Torres's roommates, Mariam Saadoune and Guillen Fabian-Garcia operated and manipulated their handgun.
According to police, Saadoune believed the gun was unloaded when she pointed it at a closed door and fired.
The gun fired a round of ammunition, which traveled through the door and struck Pomales-Torres in the abdomen, according to police.
Pomales-Torres reportedly cried out for help and Fabian-Garcia drove him to a local hospital. Ultimately, Pomales-Torres died from his injuries.
Both Saadoune and Fabian-Garcia admitted their respective roles to police. The gun was legally purchased and, according to investigators, Fabian-Garcia was teaching Saadoune safe gun handling.
“The charges in this case are not an indictment of lawful gun ownership, use, or possession. The charges are a reflection that anytime an individual holds a gun – he or she holds the ability to take a life," said DA Pier Hess Graf. "Firearms should be treated with the utmost respect for that very reason."
"The gross negligence of these defendants combined to fire a bullet into their own occupied home and kill their friend. This ultimate consequence – the killing of Hector Pomales-Torres – is the one mistake that can never be undone," she continued. "The criminal charges reflect the factual background of the case – a negligent killing is manslaughter. The charges should serve as a reminder to our community to always practice safe handling of weapons. Had these defendants followed safe gun ownership, our victim would still be alive today."
Lebanon City Police charged Saadoune with involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person based on her "negligent use and firing of the handgun." Her bail has been set at $100,000.
Fabian-Garcia has been charged with recklessly endangering another person for providing Saadoune a loaded gun and not properly supervising her use. His bail has been set at $20,000.
