Man Accused Of Fatally Shooting Roommate During Pretend Battle

TEMPLE TERRACE, FL — State Attorney Andrew Warren announced Monday that he is filing manslaughter charges against a 24-year-old Temple Terrace man accused of shooting his roommate during an imaginary battle scenario.

Neil Gallagher shared a house with four other men in the 110 block of South Burlingame Avenue in Temple Terrace.

According to Warren, on Feb. 24, Gallagher and one of the roommates, Eric Hansen, were staging a combat simulation in the home. Hansen was pretending to use an imaginary knife but Gallagher was using an actual gun. As they simulated attacking each other, Gallagher drew his handgun, aimed it at Hansen's face and fired.

Paramedics were called at 4:21 p.m. but Hansen was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later.

Gallagher told Temple Terrace Police detectives that he believed the gun was empty during their role-playing scenario.

After investigating, the Temple Terrace Police Department and the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office found sufficient evidence to charge Gallagher with manslaughter, and a warrant was issued for Gallagher’s arrest. He was expected to turn himself into the police department Monday.

Although there is no evidence of malice or ill intent by Gallagher, Warren said the act demonstrated a reckless disregard for Hansen's safety. Gallagher pointed the gun at Hansen and pulled the trigger without knowing and, therefore, without caring if it was loaded, he said.

“Mr. Hansen’s death is a tragedy, and it’s made even more tragic because it was completely preventable. When someone shows this kind of carelessness in handling a deadly weapon, they must be held accountable,” Warren said. “Our prosecutors will do all we can to deliver justice and make it clear that in Hillsborough County, you are responsible for your actions.”

“Anyone who owns a gun has a responsibility to make sure it is always handled properly. You should never point it at a person and never use it as a toy, even if you think it’s unloaded. These are fundamental steps for safe gun ownership. They weren’t followed and, because of that, a young man tragically lost his life,” Temple Terrace Police Chief Ken Albano said.

If found guilty of manslaughter with a firearm, a first-degree felony, Gallagher could face up to 30 years in prison.