Camilla Jessen
Suspect breaks down in court.
According to the prosecutors, the suspect pointed the gun at his friend and pulled the trigger after asking her to play.
A game of Russian roulette
An evening of card games between two friends in Cincinnati turned deadly when one allegedly suggested a game of Russian roulette.
Rachel Counts, aged 23, was shot in the chest and killed on October 5, according to the Cincinnati Police Department.
Her friend, Omarion Horne, also 23, was arrested the following morning and charged with felony murder, felonious assault, and reckless homicide, officials said.
“He asked her if she wanted to play”
During a court hearing last week, prosecutors described the alleged events leading up to Counts’ death.
They said Horne took out a gun, removed all but one bullet, and asked Counts if she wanted to play Russian roulette.
After placing the gun to his own head and pulling the trigger without it firing, prosecutors said Horne then pointed the weapon at Counts, pulled the trigger again, and fired a bullet into her chest.
Pronounced dead at the scene
Emergency crews were called to the home, but Counts was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Emotional courtroom scene
At his arraignment, Horne appeared visibly shaken.
Courtroom video from local outlets WKRC, WLWT, and WCPO showed him crying and trembling as prosecutors detailed what allegedly happened that night.
“A senseless tragedy”
Hamilton County Judge William Mallory called the case “a senseless tragedy.”
“It’s sad that people use a firearm as a toy,” Mallory said. “If these circumstances are true, this is truly a tragedy.”
Defense seeks leniency
Horne’s defense attorney urged the judge to set a lower bond, noting that Horne had no prior criminal or juvenile record.
However, Judge Mallory set bond at $1 million, citing the seriousness of the charges and the fatal outcome.
Possible life sentence
If convicted, Horne could face life in prison, according to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office.
He is scheduled to appear again in court on October 16, when the case will be presented to a grand jury.
Victim remembered
Friends and family of Rachel Counts described her as a warm, outgoing young woman who loved spending time with friends.
Authorities have not released further details about the relationship between Counts and Horne or whether alcohol or other substances were involved.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation
