A Florida man was shot and killed by his own cousin after wondering aloud about the effectiveness of a bulletproof vest. Joaquin Mendez was fatally shot by Alexandro Garibaldi at a home in Tampa Saturday night, WFLAreported. Garibaldi, who first told police he heard a gunshot and found Mendez wounded outside, has now been charged with manslaughter with a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to Tampa police, a witness at the scene of the alleged shooting said Mendez, 23, was sitting in a chair when he put on the bulletproof vest in question. After "wondering out loud whether it still worked," Garibaldi allegedly whipped out a handgun, said "Let's see," and then shot directly at the vest. When police responded to reports of a shooting at the residence, they found a "projectile entrance hole" in the vest.
Mendez was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died. His family declinedABC Action News' requests to appear on camera but described the 23-year-old Joaquin as "a great, loving young man" and expressed their gratitude for those who have sent their thoughts and prayers surrounding the tragedy.
As of Sunday, WESHreported Garibaldi was being held without bond on the manslaughter charge. Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has yet to release a statement regarding the shooting.
Sadly, this incident isn't the first of its kind. Back in May of last year, a 19-year-old man was shot and killed by his friend while wearing a bulletproof test. According toABC 10 News, 21-year-old Elijah Lambert allegedly shot and killed Miguel Henry Martinez while "fooling around" with a gun and a bulletproof vest.
