Berkeley County, South Carolina — The owner of a Berkeley County gun store was jailed this week for accidentally shooting a friend and part-time employee in 2021.
Jon Whitley, the owner of Coastal Firearms on Cainhoy Road, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 17, to five days in jail from Nov. 1 to 5 each year for the following five years. In the meanwhile, he will remain on probation until his sentence is served.
Whitley must also complete 200 hours of community service with organizations that help military families who have lost a parent.
On November 2, 2021, Berkeley County deputies rushed to the gun shop and discovered Stefan Mrgan with a gunshot wound to the face.
Mrgan eventually died as a result of his injuries.
Whitley explained to the cops that he mistaken his Glock for a BB gun and accidently fired.
A witness reported that the guys were conversing regularly when he heard a loud bang and saw Mrgan fall to the ground. According to an original event report, the witness raced to Mrgan, secured his firearm, and began administering first aid until EMS came.
