Teen killed at hunting camp; cousin arrested

updated 1:41 p.m. ET Nov. 10, 2009

TERREBONNE, Ore. - A 14-year-old boy is dead and his cousin is in custody after a bullet pierced the wall of the motor home the boy was sleeping in at a central Oregon hunting camp and struck him in the head, authorities said.

Investigators believe the bullet was fired from a distance by Brandon Hornseth, 21, of Lonepine, Crook County Sheriff Rodd Clark said.

Hornseth was arrested Monday night on suspicion of first-degree manslaughter and other charges in the death of his cousin, Justin Butler of Culver. Hornseth was being held at the Crook County Jail; it was unknown if he had an attorney.

Butler and his family were elk hunting at the family ranch in Terrebonne when gunshots were heard early Sunday. Those inside in the motor home turned on the lights and discovered the teen had been shot.

Sheriff's Sgt. James Savage said the investigation was ongoing but the shooting didn't appear to be intentional.

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