Homicide charges waived in fatal shooting of junior Republic firefighter
A Republic fire captain accused of homicide in the shooting death a junior firefighter waived his charges to the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas this week.
George Matis Jr., 21, of Republic allegedly shot 16-year-old junior firefighter Parker Hess in the office of the fire hall Nov. 27. The two were preparing for the town’s Light Up Night.
While Matis’ attorney, James Davis, previously declared the shooting was accidental, state police are waiting on evidence analysis to make a determination. Witnesses told police Matis and Hess were “good friends,” saying there did not appear to be tension between the two. Matis invoked his right to remain silent after his arrest.
He was initially denied bail after the shooting but was later granted a $50,000 bond. He was released Nov. 30 after bond was posted on his behalf.
Police wrote in the affidavit of probable cause that Matis removed a 9mm Glock from his holster and “caused the pistol to discharge a bullet in the direction of Hess,” hitting him in the cheek. The teen was pronounced dead on the scene and escorted to the hospital by first responders in a somber stand-in for the parade Hess planned to participate in later that night.
State police Trooper Adam Janosko said the gun, surveillance footage and other evidence was sent to the crime lab for analysis. Investigators believe Matis owned the gun and had a valid concealed carry permit.
“At this point, we’re kind of at a standstill waiting to determine if it was an accident,” he said.
Davis previously described the shooting as “horrific” and “just a terrible accident.” He said his client is distraught over the death. Prosecutors could pursue charges of murder or voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, but Davis said he expects the case to be prosecuted under a manslaughter statute.
On Wednesday, he declined to comment on the case and any tentative plea agreements Matis was offered for his waiver.
Matis is charged with criminal homicide and recklessly endangering another person.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.