Gun that killed teen belonged to best friend's father

The gun used to kill 18-year-old Myles Compton is owned by the father of his best friend.

"He [Jerry Driscoll] maintains those weapons. They are typically unloaded, locked and kept up," said Lee Davis, a criminal defense attorney who is representing the Driscoll family.

Jerry and Patricia Driscoll weren't there Thursday night when about six young adults gathered at their home at 9125 Stoney Mountain Drive.

Kevin Driscoll got out the weapons - as many as two or three - and let his friends pass them around. Then 20-year-old Myles K. Stout pointed one gun at Myles Compton's chest and a shot rang out, according to the arrest report.

Kevin Driscoll called 911 and stayed by Compton's side. By the time Hamilton County Sheriff's Office detectives arrived, Compton was dead.

Stout told authorities he thought the gun was unloaded and that they were just horseplaying. Initially, he told them that Compton shot himself.

Stout, who faces a charge of reckless homicide, declined an interview request at the jail Friday. He remained in custody on a $25,000 bond.

Authorities have taken the Driscolls' firearms into custody while investigating Compton's death. All of the firearms came from inside the residence, according to authorities.

"They are cooperating completely with the investigation and have given full statements to the police. They will cooperate at any time they are asked," Davis said. "It's unclear to me what they were doing. It's a terrible tragedy and why Myles Stout would have fired the weapon is beyond comprehension. It's a tragedy for all the young people involved. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Compton family."

It's possible that Kevin Driscoll could face a charge of criminal negligence, since the guns in his possession at his home resulted in a death. Authorities have not filed any charges yet.

The incident remains under investigation.

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