Suspect Wanted After Teen Shot And Killed Late Friday Night In Cottage Hill

April 13, 2024

For an update to this story, click here.

A 16-year-old was shot and killed late Friday night in Cottage Hill.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired at a home in the 1600 block of Wishbone Road about 11:30 p.m.

Deputies arrived to find a 16-year-old suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on scene, according to ECSO spokesperson Morgan Lewis.

“The investigation determined that during a large gathering at the residence, Ethan O’Brien (pictured) was showing off his firearm at which time it accidentally discharged hitting the 16-year-old. O’Brien fled the scene before deputies arrived,” The ECSO said Saturday morning.

O’Brien, 19, is wanted for manslaughter through negligence.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.

Pictured: The scene on Wishbone Road in Cottage Hill late Friday night after a teen was shot and killed.  NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

19 Responses to “Suspect Wanted After Teen Shot And Killed Late Friday Night In Cottage Hill”

  1. Concerned on April 15th, 2024 7:47 am

    Some of these comments are atrocious. “Bubba is your new mom” and “thug” are two of the worst. Would these sane comments exist if this had been a tragic hunting accident?

  2. Bill on April 15th, 2024 4:38 am

    Sounds like an accident to me. Happens all the time, I saw a cop shoot his foot while showing off his gun to a class of 3rd graders, look it up.

  3. Smack attack on April 15th, 2024 12:56 am

    Cheese n rice some of these comments y’all should definitely slap yourselves it was a 16 yr old kid with his whole life ahead of him. Not only will he have to live with taking a life for the rest of his life, there will always be a bunch of idiots that have to kick him while he is down then drag him behind your horse thinking it’s ok

  4. Molino Resident on April 14th, 2024 7:17 pm

    @ Robert Smith – Please sit down, you know nothing about this person. He is a kind, good, respectful young man, not a “thug” in any way. This was a horrible accident and he was probably scared to death and heartbroken. He’s still a kid, who made an unintentional mistake. He’s not a murderer. I feel horrible for both families and hope the other child’s family can find it in their hearts to forgive him. Hopefully he can forgive himself.

  5. T on April 14th, 2024 10:09 am

    Here go’s another escambia County’s finest investigation. One day of public announcement. Then not another word. This is a tragic event accident or not. A 19yr old with a (ARP) at a part of young kids and young adults is not cool. Both were good kids and yes 19 is and adult but still young enough to be considered a kid. Why has he not been caught, why hasn’t any of the many kids there has not done the right thing and came forward with the real store of what went on . There both gods children. I’m praying for us all. Many many questions. Ethan please done the right thing . Get what ever it is you need to do to get what ever in order and get right with God. Then turn yourself in . I really hope in many ways this can be a learning experience for so many young and old people. I’m truly devastated over this and will be for a long time.

  6. Robert Smith on April 13th, 2024 11:45 pm

    He fled for a reason he knew he was wrong, state attorney needs to up the charges to murder, where are the parents, charges should be taken against them, of course the thug will run ,hopefully the deputies who find him take appropriate action to protect themselves

  7. Jc on April 13th, 2024 11:32 pm

    This is a sad situation one child lost his life and another will lose his pray for both families

  8. Misc. on April 13th, 2024 10:14 pm

    They should also charge the person who gave him the gun, he’s not old enough to legally purchase a handgun.

  9. Neighbor on April 13th, 2024 9:48 pm

    Where was the adult of this residence? “A large gathering” aka PARTY?
    Not saying this is the case, but some parents want to be their children’s friend instead of parenting and allow their kids to have parties.

    Praying for these families!

  10. Real Talk on April 13th, 2024 7:50 pm

    I’m 100% certain the suspects PARENT did all she could to raise this young man the best she could. Now, his new momma will be a man named Bubba.

  11. Give me a break on April 13th, 2024 7:16 pm

    I have an idea –require a gun safety class in order to purchase a gun.

  12. Korie on April 13th, 2024 6:18 pm

    Bro I meet him on Tuesday not even 4 days later I find this and that he’s gone rest easy I know I didn’t know you like that but u wanted a car u wanted to do so good in life but then u got shot this is why kids should not have guns rest easy llb

  13. JJ on April 13th, 2024 3:51 pm

    19 year old with NO GUN SAFETY CLASS.
    PLEASE DONT BLAME THE GUN

  14. Paty McNamara on April 13th, 2024 1:06 pm

    I am praying for both families. The one that lost a child I am so deeply saddened for your loss. The loss of a child is a feeling I wish on no one. God be with you and your family.
    Ethan please do the right thing. I know your freaked out but you need to turn yourself in. You are a good kid. Make the right choice. I have faith in you. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers as well. God be with you as well.

  15. Steve on April 13th, 2024 1:04 pm

    Why did he flee and why has HIS parents not turned him in to prevent more problems?

  16. Patrice Fountain on April 13th, 2024 12:07 pm

    Praying for both babies

  17. Bill T on April 13th, 2024 9:55 am

    16 years old very sad !!! Where are the parents or guardian or adult !!! Why because at 16 you are allowed to go to school and maybe work at a job somewhere maybe!!!

  18. Teresa A Comparetta on April 13th, 2024 9:42 am

    16 years old!

  19. Wodie on April 13th, 2024 4:28 am

    Rip lil b