WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A 20-year-old Winter Haven nab, Valan Michael Ray Tyner, is in custody facing Manslaughter charges.
On July 2nd, at approximately 3:20 PM, Winter Haven Police responded to a 911 call regarding a gunshot victim at a residence on Southeast Ave. F.
The male victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
During the investigation, officers learned that Tyner was present at the time of the shooting. Initially, Tyner claimed the shot might have originated outside the house. However, a thorough investigation revealed no signs of forced entry and no evidence of the bullet entering from outside.
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A search warrant was obtained for the residence. Interviews with the other occupants revealed they heard a loud noise and saw Tyner carrying the victim. Investigators discovered evidence suggesting the shooting occurred inside a bedroom. In the same room, a firearm was found on the bed along with a spent shell casing.
Despite Tyner’s claim of cleaning the gun when it “went off,” no cleaning supplies were present in the room. Based on the evidence, Tyner was arrested and charged with Manslaughter with a Weapon.
Tyner was arrested and charged with one count of Manslaughter with a Weapon (F.S.S. 782.07(1) and booked into the Polk County Jail.
“This is a tragic incident that changed the course of many lives,” said Police Chief David Brannan. “We have a young man deceased, his family grieving, and another young man facing serious charges for an act that appears to be negligence in the handling of a firearm. Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved.”
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