Tragic End of Russian Roulette Game

WILLINGBORO, N.J. -- A south New Jersey teen is in custody, accused of firing a gunshot that killed his 16-year-old girlfriend.

It happened last Friday, at the Rancocas Plaza in Willingboro, N.J.

Latrice Logan, 16, died a few hours after she was allegedly wounded by her boyfriend, Maurice Howard.

Students shared hugs and tears Monday outside a sub shop where Logan was shot and killed.

Prosecutors said that Logan was shot after Howard decided to play a deadly game of Russian Roulette, but there was a bullet left in the gun.

"He emptied the tumbler of what we believe is a revolver, closed the weapon and (said), 'Now, let's play a game.' He turned, pointed the weapon towards the victim and fired it," said Robert Bernardi, of the Burlington County police.

Police said that the suspect drove the girl to the hospital where she died and then ran from the police until turning himself in to authorities Monday morning.

Friends said he never meant to hurt his girlfriend.

That is not enough for the father of Logan, who leaves the fate of the suspect up to the jury.

"Those who felt it was their fault, I love you. But there is only one person who I blame," Kelly Logan said.

Howard faces a charge of aggravated manslaughter and could spend up to 30 years in prison.

The girl's father is starting a foundation called "Drop the Gun Foundation." He said it would give $1,000 to a senior each year. The foundation is at Farmers` and Mechanics Bank, located at 399 Charleston Rd., Willingboro, N.J. 08046.

Copyright 2003 by NBC 10. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Author: NBC10