Kadeem McCall charged with murder after fatal dry-fire shooting

A man in Georgia has been charged with murder after he accidentally shot and killed his high school friend while handling a revolver he claimed he thought was unloaded.

According to investigators, 24-year-old Kadeem McCall made the 911 call himself after the shooting at a residence in Atlanta on August 15. McCall told police he was “dry firing” the gun—pulling the trigger with no ammunition—when he accidentally pulled the trigger with a live round in the chamber. His friend, 25-year-old Jayquan Williams, was struck in the chest and died at the scene. In bodycam footage played during a bond hearing, McCall is heard telling a friend at the scene, “I put my finger on the trigger accidentally and shot him.” He now faces felony murder charges.

This case highlights the lethal risks of handling firearms—even when people believe they are taking precautions. Dry firing—practicing trigger pull without live ammunition—is common among gun owners for training or stress relief. But if a gun is not properly cleared, even a momentary lapse can have fatal consequences. Police reports state the revolver was a .38 caliber handgun belonging to McCall, who said he had checked the cylinder and believed it was empty. Investigators confirmed the gun was in working order and capable of firing. Family and friends of the victim described Williams as a “peacemaker” with no criminal record, adding to the shock of the incident.

The case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in October. Prosecutors have not yet said whether they will pursue additional charges or seek a grand jury indictment. The shooting has renewed debate in Georgia about firearm safety and accidental discharges, especially among young adults familiar with guns. Legal experts say such cases often hinge on whether the defendant’s actions were reckless under state law. Meanwhile, McCall remains jailed without bond. His defense attorney has not publicly commented on the evidence or raised self-defense claims. The shooting serves as a stark reminder that even routine gun handling can turn deadly in an instant.