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Detroit teen gets probation in friend's death on Instagram Live

By Kellie Rowe
Published  July 18, 2018 5:12pm EDT
News
FOX 2 Detroit

DETROIT (WJBK) - A Detroit man was sentenced Wednesday to probation in the accidental shooting of his friend on Instagram Live.

Dawone Cook, 18, was sentenced to three years' probation after pleading guilty to careless discharge causing injury or death in the shooting of 18-year-old Dylan Hemphill. Cook must also complete 100 hours of community service, touring schools to talk about gun violence and the dangers of playing with guns. 

Police say on April 2, the pair were broadcasting live on Instagram on San Juan Street in the University District, on Detroit's northwest side. The pair were showing off money and weapons.

That's when police say Cook accidentally put his finger on the trigger and discharged the gun, striking Hemphill in the back of the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police called the shooting an accident.

"I just wanted to apologize to you all," Cook said before learning his sentence.

The judge says Cook used bad judgment that resulted in a tragedy and the loss of a young life. A friend of his, on top of that.

"That's something you're going to have to live with for the rest of your life. So when you go to these schools to talk about gun violence and social media, et.c, I want you to remember your friend every time you address them," he said.