‘This is not a video game’: Man charged with reckless manslaughter after inadvertently shooting friend in Center Point

CENTER POINT, Ala. (WBRC) - One person is dead following a shooting on Thanksgiving in Center Point.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 2400 Block of 5th Street NW in Center Point at around 6:45 p.m. to investigate reports that a person had been shot.

A man was found dead on the scene when deputies arrived. He has been identified as 23-year-old Theodore Alexander Hill.

Police say Marvin Arnold has been charged with reckless manslaughter and certain persons forbidden to carry a firearm.

According to authorities, shots were fired from a vehicle that was passing a home on 5th Street NW, where Arnold and Hill were celebrating Thanksgiving. Hill and Arnold went outside to return fire at the passing vehicle. Hill was inadvertently killed by bullets Arnold fired.

Arnold is being held on a $75,000 bond, according to police.

“The circumstances surrounding this situation are incredibly upsetting. There are now two lives and two families who will never be the same. One life was lost, the other will be forever changed at the loss of a friend and possible incarceration. This is further evidence that only responsible, safety-conscious individuals should possess firearms. One must consider that once the bullet leaves a weapon, it cannot be recalled. There are no do-overs, no fresh set of lives. This is not a video game. It is real life, and mishandling a firearm can take or change the lives of anyone in the path of that bullet,” Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office released in a statement.

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