Man indicted for fatal shooting

PORT CLINTON — A Port Clinton man is facing charges after allegedly accidentally firing a bullet that killed a man he told officers was his best friend. Nicholas J. Nellett, 21, of the 200 block of Lincoln Drive, was indicted on two third-degree felonies: reckless homicide and involuntary manslaughter. He is additionally charged with one first-degree misdemeanor count of using weapons while intoxicated. At about 1 a.m. on June 7, first responders were called to the 200 block of Lincoln Drive for the report of a shooting. When officers arrived, Nellett came out of the home and was detained. When police asked who did the shooting, he reportedly said it was him, according to a Port Clinton police report. Officers then entered the home and found a victim, identified by police as Matthew Peterson, 21, with a gunshot wound to his left side. A third man was holding pressure on the wound. Peterson reportedly started to turn pale, and officers began giving him aid until EMTs arrived and took over his care. Officers were then able to speak with the third man. He said Nellett and Peterson were drinking and that each pulled out their handguns and dropped the magazines from the guns. Nellett reportedly said he thought the chamber of his gun was empty, pointed the gun at Peterson and pulled the trigger. There was, however, a round in the chamber, and Peterson was shot. Less than an hour later, just before 2 a.m., Peterson was pronounced dead at the hospital. While on scene, Nellett was in the back of one of the police cruisers and continued to ask how Peterson was doing. He was also calling Peterson's name out. Nellett was then taken back to the station for an interview. After he was advised of his rights, he spoke with an officer. After describing how the shooting occurred, the officer asked him if Peterson said anything. Nellett reportedly told Peterson he was sorry and didn't mean to do it. Nellett then began crying and told the officer, "He's my best friend." He then told the officer that the two had been friends since preschool. Nellet had an arraignment scheduled for today in Ottawa County Common Pleas Court. Third-degree felonies are punishable by up to five years in prison in Ohio.