Police said Connor Lotterman was on the ground floor of a residential home when someone upstairs fired a gun through the floor several times
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- A 19-year-old college student in Michigan has died after he was shot through the floor at a house party
- Deputies with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) said that Connor Lotterman was on the ground floor of a residential home when someone upstairs fired a gun through the floor several times
- “The shooting was quite intentional. Multiple rounds were fired. It wasn’t as if it were a one-shot accidental discharge. This was numerous rounds discharged,” said Jake Sparks, captain of the Detective Bureau
A 19-year-old college student in Michigan has died after he was shot through the floor at a house party.
Sparks told WOOD that investigators also believe alcohol was a factor in the shooting.
“The shooting was quite intentional,” Sparks said. “Multiple rounds were fired. It wasn’t as if it were a one-shot accidental discharge. This was numerous rounds discharged. Although the result of the shooting led to an accidental death, this shooting was intentional.”
Lotterman was later transported to a local hospital, and an obituary states that he died one day later, on Saturday, May 10.
Ottawa County prosecutors are considering pursuing criminal charges against the shooter, a 20-year-old, Sparks told the outlets.
Grand Valley State University later spoke out about Lotterman’s death, telling the outlets in a statement: “The Grand Valley community is saddened by Connor’s tragic death.”
“On behalf of President Mantella, the Laker community extends our deepest sympathies to his family and friends,” GVSU Dean of Students Aaron Haight said. “Students may utilize the Care referral process and the University Counseling Center for support and resources during this difficult time. Faculty and staff can access mental health services via the Employee Assistance Program.”
Sparks also told WOOD that the fatal incident should serve as a reminder for firearms owners to store the weapons properly.
“If you have firearms that are out, lock them away, separate them from the ammunition,” he said. “Gun safes, trigger guards, trigger locks, all those things can be important to make sure nothing tragic happens.”
Anyone with additional information about the incident is urged to contact the OCSO or report information anonymously by calling 1.877.88.SILENT (745368).