BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A 21-year-old man has been charged with fatally shooting a 51-year-old man in Indialantic after investigators determined the suspect was handling a firearm when it went off, shooting the victim.
Jonathan Montgomery was found fatally shot Nov. 8 at a home on Sand Pine Road in unincorporated Indialantic, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.
Detectives said they determined Nathan Hamilton, of Fort Pierce, was at Montgomery's home when he began handling a firearm. Investigators said while Hamilton was holding the gun, it discharged striking and killing the victim.
Neighbor Jim Schroeder said the two men were friends and Hamilton often stayed at the Montgomery family home.
"Nate was the most kind, gentle guy you could ever have met," Schroeder said.
He said he believes the shooting was an accident.
"Knowing Nate, I can't imagine him murdering Jon," Schroeder said.
Hamilton was arrested Sunday and charged with manslaughter.
Hamilton was booked into the Brevard County Jail Sunday. A judge set his bail at $150,000.
As the investigation continues, anyone with information is asked to call the Brevard County Sheriff's Office homicide unit or Crimeline.