Berkeley County, South Carolina – A judge punished the Berkeley County gun store owner in connection with the fatal shooting of one of his employees in 2021, which stemmed from a botched prank.
Jon Whitley admitted to involuntary manslaughter in the death of Stefan Mrgan. A judge sentenced him to five days in jail per year from November 1 to November 5, for five years, during which time he will also be on probation.
Whitley, the owner of Coastal Firearms on Cainhoy Road, is also compelled to perform 200 hours of community service for groups that help military families deal with the loss or death of a parent.
Mrgan’s family launched a wrongful death action against Whitley in 2023. Whitley’s family claimed he was irresponsible prior to the incident.
Berkeley County investigators claim Whitley shot Mrgan in the face on November 5, 2021, after mistaking a real gun for a BB gun.
In April 2022, the South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined the company $3,000 and performed a follow-up inspection.
