Charges filed against teen who accidentally shot, killed friend

HOUSTON – Charges have been filed against a teen who accidentally shot his 16-year-old friend in southwest Houston last week, according to police.

Jesse L. Davis, 17, was charged with manslaughter Monday after handling a gun and unintentionally shooting Ezra Ryan Jackson, 16, at a gas station in the 11000 block of Fondren Road on Friday, according to the Houston Police Department.

Jackson was driving a car with Davis and other teenagers and had stopped for gas when the accident happened.

"We are understanding that it was an accident. Forgiveness is divine," said Jackson's cousin, Clenard Dow.

According to Jackson's relatives, the teen had been friends with Davis since the sixth grade.

Dow remembers his little cousin as a charming and compassionate young man who loved hanging with his friends.

"They were all good friends; they all loved each other dearly. There's no ill will, no malice there. These were five good kids that just happened to make a mistake," Dow told KPRC 2 News.

Grief counselors were on hand Monday at Jack Yates High School, where Jackson attended school.