Russian roulette death ruled a homicide

TALLMADGE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - The death of an Ottawa County teenager shot during a game of Russian roulette has been ruled a homicide.

Sixteen-year-old Brandon Kuiper and 18-year-old Richard Usher Jr. were playing with a .22 caliber handgun in Usher's home in the 3900 block of Leonard Street in Tallmadge Township.

Kuiper was shot "from close range" when Usher pulled the trigger during the March 7 incident, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department.

Kuiper died two days later. An autopsy confirms he died from a gunshot.

Usher was arrested and arraigned on one count of attempted manslaughter and one count of felony firearm. A charge of manslaughter was added against Usher after Kuiper died. Usher is in jail on a $350,000 bond.

Police said the two teens and some friends were drinking alcohol and using marijuana when the shooting occurred. There is no evidence the shooting was premeditated, according to authorities.