Police: York man dead after brother shoots him in chest

A 20-year-old York man died Friday evening when his brother shot him in the chest with a rifle. Authorities are saying the shooting appears to be a “tragic accident.”

Edward Bradham, 20, of 6133 Swinging Tree Lane, died after a single gunshot, said York County Coroner Sabrina Gast.

Further toxicology tests are being done after an autopsy was completed over the weekend, Gast said.

Gast has not made a ruling on the manner of death yet.

The shooting is still under investigation by a team of detectives but “appears to be a tragic accident,” said Trent Faris, York County Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

Faris had no other details on the investigation.

Jacob Bradham, 24, told deputies who responded to the scene that “he was showing a rifle to Edward when the rifle accidentally discharged,” hitting his brother in the chest.

Deputies responded to the home at 6:05 p.m. Friday and performed CPR but were unable to save Edward Bradham, according to the Sheriff’s Office report.

This story was originally published March 23, 2015 at 8:14 PM with the headline "Police: York man dead after brother shoots him in chest."