A Columbia teenager has been arrested and charged with killing another teen while handling a firearm in a borough residence earlier this month.

Jose Manuel Lopez III, of the 200 block of Lawrence Street, was charged with third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm by a minor and three counts of recklessly endangering another person. Columbia Borough police and Lancaster County Detectives arrested Lopez on Monday night.

Lopez, 16, is accused of causing the death of 17-year-old Wilfredo Garcia when he was shot in the head in a residence in the 900 block of Plane Street the evening of July 18. Garcia ultimately died of his injuries. 

“This incident was the second tragic loss of life that took place in Columbia within the span of two weeks,” said District Attorney Heather Adams. “We are all deeply disturbed by these violent incidents and commend Columbia Borough police and the Lancaster County Detectives for their diligent work on both of these cases.”

Officers responded to a report of a shooting around 9:45 p.m. and found Garcia inside the residence unresponsive. Police attempted life-saving measures but determined Garcia was beyond help.

In interviews with police Lopez initially denied being in the room at the time of the shooting before later admitting to holding the handgun that was fired. Lopez admitted to police that he knew the weapon’s magazine was loaded when he pointed it at Garcia with his finger on the trigger.

Several others were inside the room when the weapon was discharged but no one else was struck. Detectives conducted multiple interviews over a period of more than a week with individuals who were inside the residence the night of the shooting as part of the investigation.

As a minor Lopez is not allowed to possess a firearm. 

During the course of the investigation police recovered two firearms. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Judge Miles Bixler denied Lopez bail in a preliminary arraignment Tuesday morning. Individuals charged with homicide are not eligible for bail.

Lopez remains in Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center.

Columbia Borough Police Officer Frank Ember III filed the charges.

Assistant District Attorney Callista Chartier will prosecute the case. 

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.