Authorities in Texas say a reckless and dangerous game between two friends ended in tragedy — and one man is now facing a murder charge.
Deadly Shooting in Spring, Texas
On August 17, 2025, deputies from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on Pennington Hills Drive in Spring, Texas after reports of a shooting.
Inside, officers found 34-year-old Aaron Prout, a citizen of the United Kingdom living in Harris County, with a gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.
The homeowner, 37-year-old Sean Odonnell, was identified as the other person involved.
From Suicide Call to Homicide Investigation
At first, investigators believed Prout’s gunshot wound may have been self-inflicted. However, after gathering more evidence and conducting follow-up interviews, detectives said inconsistencies began to emerge.
“Incident initially came in as a possible suicide, but things weren’t adding up,” the sheriff’s office explained. “With thorough follow-up investigation, the truth was ultimately revealed.”
The Reckless Game That Turned Fatal
Detectives now allege that Odonnell and Prout were taking turns wearing a Kevlar helmet while shooting each other in the head with a rifle. Authorities say this dangerous stunt ended when Prout was fatally wounded.
“Hard to believe two so-called friends would take turns shooting at each other wearing a Kevlar helmet, inside a house in a residential neighborhood, while using a rifle,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Harris said in a statement.
Arrest and Charges
Following the investigation, Odonnell was arrested on Thursday, August 28, 2025, and charged with murder in Prout’s death.
Court records also show Odonnell was separately arrested on August 21 for driving under the influence. Attorney Adam Wayne Capetillo is listed as representing him in that case, though it remains unclear if Odonnell has legal representation for the murder charge.
As of now, jail records do not list him in custody, and his next court appearance has not been announced.
A Case That Shocked the Community
The bizarre and tragic case has drawn widespread attention, not only because of the deadly outcome but also because of the reckless nature of the alleged game. What started as a disturbing attempt at “fun” between friends has left one man dead and another facing a possible life sentence.
