Major Case Squad members arrested an 18-year-old in relation to the shooting death of a 19-year-old Vanduser, Missouri, man about 5 p.m. Thursday.

The Scott County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Sean Thomas with involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.

His bond was set at $5,000 cash or surety.

Major Case Squad members arrested Thomas between 8 and 9 p.m. Thursday, according to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter.

The sheriff’s office originally received a report of an accidental shooting at the home of Cole Kirkpatrick, 19, of Vanduser, according to Walter.

Walter then called for an investigation by the Major Case Squad, which includes officers from New Madrid County, the Sikeston Department of Public Safety and Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Coroner Scott Amick said the 20-gauge shotgun wound to Kirkpatrick was not indicative of being self-inflicted.

Walter said the Major Case Squad will continue to investigate the shooting, but evidence suggests Thomas was at least negligent in the way the shotgun was handled.

Walter did not rule out the possibility the shooting may have been accidental.

Investigators on Thursday interviewed Thomas.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address:

Vanduser, Mo.