GUN BARREL CITY, TX – A Gun Barrel City man arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of his girlfriend told authorities the incident was an accident, according to newly released court documents.
John David Bunch-Stiles, 23, was taken into custody Sunday following the shooting death of 22-year-old Mackenzie Wisdom.
An arrest affidavit from Henderson County states that Bunch-Stiles claimed his firearm discharged accidentally while he was transferring it between holsters.
Authorities responded to a shooting call at approximately 4:08 p.m. at a residence in Gun Barrel City.
Upon arrival, officers found Bunch-Stiles outside on the front lawn, waving them down.
According to the affidavit, Bunch-Stiles immediately told officers that he had accidentally shot his girlfriend.
Inside the home, Wisdom was found suffering from a gunshot wound to her upper right shoulder.
First responders administered life-saving measures before transporting her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 4:46 p.m.
Bunch-Stiles was taken to the Gun Barrel City Police Department, where he provided a statement regarding the events leading up to the shooting.
According to the affidavit, he explained that he had been transferring his firearm from a holster he had been carrying to a soft holster for storage in a nightstand when the gun unexpectedly discharged, striking Wisdom as she lay on the bed.
Bunch-Stiles was booked on a charge of criminally negligent homicide early Monday morning. Jail records indicate he posted bond the same day for $30,000 and was released.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional charges may be considered.