HEATH, Texas – The City of Heath Department of Public Safety closed an investigation into the death of 12-year-old Ethan Moran, an Amy Parks Elementary student, who was killed by a fatal gunshot wound earlier this year – ruling it “an accident.”
HEATH, Texas – The City of Heath Department of Public Safety closed an investigation into the death of 12-year-old Ethan Moran, an Amy Parks Elementary student, who was killed by a fatal gunshot wound earlier this year – ruling it “an accident.”
Moran was reported missing by his parents on April 22, 2014, and found a short time later by a search team in a wooded area surrounding the family's home in Heath, Texas – deceased from a gunshot wound to the head.
Moran's body was taken to the Dallas Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause of his death. According to the Heath DPS, the autopsy report released today stated “Ethan died as a result of his injuries due to a gunshot wound to the head and the manner of death was officially listed as undetermined.”
“The results of the investigation revealed there were no past or present reasons for Ethan to cause his own death,” stated Heath DPS Lt. Scott Trammell, explaining that interviews were conducted with family, friends, neighbors, coaches and teachers. “Everyone investigators spoke with found Ethan to be a healthy and happy young man who loved all aspects of his life.”
According to investigators, Moran was handling a pistol which was removed from the home before his death. “It is unclear if Ethan knew the pistol was loaded or not. The evidence suggests Ethan was examining the pistol and in doing so, caused it to discharge,” states a release from the Heath DPS.
“After reviewing all the facts and evidence, Heath investigators believe Ethan’s death was an accident,” stated Lt. Trammell.
