By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – A 17-year-old LaPlace teen was shot and killed Monday by his 18-year-old friend in an incident that appears to be an accident, according to a spokesman for the St. John Sheriff’s Office.

Capt. Dane Clement, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office, said deputies were called out to a home in the 100 block of Natli at about 5:20 p.m. Monday. He said they arrived to find 17-year-old Justin Monsour unresponsive with a shotgun wound to the head. Monsour was pronounced dead at the scene.

Clement said the 18-year-old, who resides at the Natli Drive address, told investigators he and Monsour were alone at the house when Monsour was accidentally shot. Clement said the two teenagers, both seniors at Riverside Academy, were best friends since meeting at Riverside four years ago.

Clement said the 18-year-old, whose name was not released, told investigators that he and Monsour were looking at the shotgun in a bedroom when he accidently discharged the weapon. Clement said the 18-year-old immediately called his mother to tell her what happened and she called St. John authorities.

Clement said the investigation is ongoing and investigators are awaiting results of an autopsy. He said the 18-year-old has been cooperative with investigators.

Upon conclusion of the investigation the case will be presented to the District Attorney for review.