An Ohio woman has died after being shot during what authorities say was a deadly game of Russian roulette with a friend.
According to the Cincinnati Police Department, 23-year-old Rachel Counts was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest on Oct. 5 at a home in northern Cincinnati.
Local outlets including WKRC, WLWT, and WCPO reported that Counts and her friend Omarion Horne, also 23, had been playing cards before Horne allegedly suggested playing Russian roulette. Prosecutors said Horne removed all but one bullet from a gun, pointed it at his own head, and then turned the weapon toward Counts before firing.
Emergency crews were called to the scene, but despite attempts to save her life, Counts was pronounced dead, police said.
Horne has been charged with felony murder, felonious assault, and reckless homicide, according to the Hamilton County Prosecuting Office.
WLWT reported that Horne’s bond was set at $1 million. During the hearing, Hamilton County Judge William Mallory expressed sorrow over the case, saying, “It’s sad that people use a firearm as a toy, because if these circumstances are true, this is truly a tragedy.”
Courtroom footage shared by WKRC, WLWT, and WCPO showed Horne in tears as prosecutors recounted their version of events.
If convicted, Horne could face life in prison, prosecutors said.
WCPO also reported that Horne’s attorney requested leniency on bond, noting that he has no prior criminal or juvenile record.
Horne is expected to appear before a grand jury on Oct. 16, according to WLWT.
