As one teenager was being arraigned on two counts of carrying a concealed weapon, the parents of the 15-year-old shot in the head Sunday morning have been by his side, praying for a miracle.
“His parents did everything right. Nice kid. Solid A/B student. A little above average at a Jesuit high school,” said Skip Mongo, a longtime friend of Tyler’s family. (Note: Tyler’s family has asked that his last name not be disclosed.)
Mongo’s teenage nephew who is a good friend of Tyler’s was also there for the sleepover. Mongo said his nephew was sleeping and suddenly awakened by the gunshot that left his ears ringing.
One of the teens in the room called 911.
Mongo said many teens often use area hotels as “inexpensive resorts” to hang out with friends, much like young people used to hang out at malls. But “an adult dropped the ball,” he added.
Mongo said a relative of one of the teens was supposed to be nearby but, for some reason, left them unattended.
“And as you see, when you leave children unattended, these types of things can happen,” said Mongo.