OWENTON, Ky. — A 16-year-old was shot and killed in Owenton early Sunday morning, according to investigators.
Kentucky State Police said they responded to the 3000 block of Squiresville Road just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday for a reported shooting.
Police found 16-year-old Bryce Stewart shot. The Owen County Coroner later pronounced Stewart dead.
After a preliminary investigation, 40-year-old Timothy Stone of Owenton was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection to the shooting.
A close friend of the family said Stewart was at his friend's house at the time of the shooting, noting that Stone was the friend's father.
Stewart would have started his junior year at Carroll County High School on Wednesday. He participated in football and cheerleading and was an officer in the school's Future Farmers of America club.
"It is difficult to process and cope with the loss of such a young, vital life,” Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes said in a statement. "Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with this young man's family."
Carroll County High School's campus and football field were open to students Monday afternoon. Principal Amy Sutter said she wanted students to know they have a "safe space to gather, grieve, or just be." Professionals were also on hand to speak to students.
Stone was taken to the Carroll County Detention Center. His bond was set at $100,000 and he will appear in Owen County court on Thursday morning.
Kentucky State Police said its investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
