Memorial fund to benefit family of teen shot, killed
A memorial fund for Colton Hutchinson, a 14-year-old who police said was accidentally shot and killed in a Cape Coral home Monday afternoon, has been set up at Fifth Third Bank in order to help pay for the monetary needs of Colton’s survived family.
Colton was accidentally shot in the left temple at close range in the waterfront home of David and Antoinette Casman, located at 2422 S.E. 28th St., at approximately 1:04 p.m., reports state.
The Casmans’ 12-year-old son was involved in the shooting, police said.
Colton was taken to the Cape Coral Hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he was later pronounced dead at 2:20 p.m.
Friends of Colton’s family, some of whom knew the youth through his brother’s previous involvement in the Cape Coral Little League of Jason Verdow Park, set up the fund to help the family with any financial difficulties it might have, said CCLL board member Lydia Mandich.
Police reports state that the .38-caliber handgun that shot and killed Colton, along with a .22-caliber handgun, was not properly secured inside the Casman home.
The Department of Children and Families will investigate the Casman household to determine if the home is a safe place for their children to live, said DCF spokesperson Erin Gillespie.
“Obviously tragic accidents happen, but our priority is to make sure the children in that home are safe,” she said.
David Casman, 49, who neighbors said lives with his wife, Antoinette, and their three children, was charged with culpable negligence for allowing the youth access to the gun, resulting in Colton’s death.
Casman was arrested Monday and taken to Health Park Hospital with complaints of chest pains; he will be booked into the Lee County Jail when he is medically released, said city spokesperson Connie Barron on Tuesday.
Gillespie said DCF will talk to the parents, the children, relatives and neighbors during the investigation. It will also make determinations based on whether Casman remains in jail.
Access to firearms is a child safety issue, which is why DCF is investigating, she added.
The 12-year-old police say was involved in the accidental shooting death of Colton was suspended from school, while Colton skipped to help him with yard work, according to police reports.
The 12-year-old initially told 911 dispatchers two masked robbers broke into the home and shot Colton, but later admitted the shooting was an accident, reports state.
Donations are currently being accepted for the Colton Hutchinson Memorial Fund, account number 7432438724.
The Hutchinson family has declined comment on the incident.