Georgia Teen Charged After Girlfriend Fatally Shot in Head During Sleepover Gun Mishap

LAWRENCEVILLE, GEORGIA – A 19-year-old man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after allegedly shooting his girlfriend in the head during what police described as a tragic accidental shooting at a sleepover in her family’s home.

“They Were Playing With the Gun”

According to the Lawrenceville Police Department, Sebastian Prestridge, 19, shot his girlfriend, Nina Ramirez, also 19, just after midnight on October 9 while they were “playing with a gun” they didn’t realize was loaded.

Ramirez’s mother, Maria Carmen Ramirez, told WSB-TV that her daughter and a group of friends, including Prestridge, had gathered for a casual sleepover when tragedy struck.

“They were passing the gun around and playing with it, not realizing it was loaded,” she said.

Police and emergency responders arrived shortly before 1:30 a.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting that a teenager had been shot in the head.

Ramirez was found dead at the scene.

Boyfriend Cooperated With Police

Investigators said Prestridge remained at the home when officers arrived and cooperated fully during questioning. He was later detained and charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter.

Captain Dena Pauly of the Lawrenceville Police Department called the shooting “an incredibly tragic situation,” adding that their hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones.

“This was a preventable loss,” Pauly said. “Firearms should never be handled carelessly, especially among young people unfamiliar with proper safety.”

Mother Says She Forgives Him

Despite the devastating loss, Ramirez’s mother said she does not harbor anger toward Prestridge.

“When you get mad and these things happen, you want to find someone guilty,” she said. “But I think it was just an accident. He loved her.”

A GoFundMe page was later launched to help the Ramirez family cover funeral expenses, describing Nina as a “bright and compassionate young woman” whose laughter “filled every room she entered.”

Ongoing Awareness on Gun Safety

Police urged families to secure all firearms and educate young adults about proper handling, even when weapons are believed to be unloaded.

Prestridge remains held at the Gwinnett County Jail without bond as the case continues.

For ongoing updates on Georgia community safety and criminal justice news, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.