Abraham Bordas: Florida man charged with negligent homicide of friend while drunk on Twisted Tea

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

DUNNELLON, FLORIDA: A 22-year-old Florida man, Abraham Bordas, now faces charges of manslaughter following the accidental shooting and death of his friend, 26-year-old Chase Koepke over an evening drink.

The incident occurred on Saturday, December 30, at Koepke's residence on Southwest 146th Avenue Road shaking the quiet city of Dunnellon in the Ocala metropolitan area.

What prompted the shooting?

The two friends had been drinking Twisted Iced Teas, having started the evening bonding over painting. Bordas revealed that they had been friends for two years and that he had never handled a gun before.

As the evening unfolded, a woman joined the two men to help with painting. They had finished one room and took a break, with the alleged shooter and victim sharing laughs and music on the couch, indulging in Twisted Iced Teas, while the woman was in the kitchen washing dishes. It was during this moment that the tragic event occurred. 

According to the arrest report, Bordas found Koepke's gun and, admiring the weapon, pointed it at his friend, saying, "Wow, buddy, this is a nice gun," WCJB reports. In a turn of events, the firearm discharged, striking Koepke once in the stomach or abdomen.

Law enforcement reports indicate that Bordas claimed to be unaware that the gun was loaded or that the safety was off. In a grim revelation, he stated that he only realized he had fired the weapon when Koepke exclaimed, "Buddy, you shot me."

Reacting swiftly, Bordas called 911, and Koepke was rushed to the hospital. Despite efforts to save him, the victim succumbed to his wound. The circumstances leading to Koepke's death were entirely accidental, with both the victim and alleged shooter reportedly sharing words of friendship in their final moments.

Unraveling details in the aftermath of fatal encounter

Further, law enforcement reports indicate that Bordas was visibly intoxicated during the initial interview, with glossy, bloodshot eyes and a strong smell of alcohol on his breath.

Bordas even admitted, "I was obviously inebriated at the time." He claimed to have consumed four of the tea-based malt liquors before the fatal accident.

The gun involved in the incident was identified as a 9 mm Canik TP9 SF Elite, found on a counter in the house. A detective reportedly recovered a single spent shell casing and a loaded magazine as evidence.

Bordas was arrested on Saturday and released on Sunday on a $30,000 bond. He now stands accused of one count of negligent homicide, according to Marion County records.