Fatal Shooting of Dighton Teen was Accidental, Prosecutors Say

TAUNTON — The shooting death of a Dighton teen was an accident, according to prosecutors.

Dighton Police were called to a home at 475 Forest Street Tuesday night for a report of a medical emergency. When they arrived, they found Michael Pacheco, 17, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Pacheco was transported to Morton Hospital in Taunton where he later died.

Police arrested Joseph Medeiros, 18, of Rehoboth, and charged him with involuntary manslaughter, carrying an illegal firearm, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Prosecutors say Medeiros was playing with the gun, a Glock-9, while he and Pacheco sat at the kitchen table in the home. The gun accidentally fired, striking Pacheco in the chest and killing him.

Medeiros was arraigned Wednesday in Taunton District Court. He has been ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Tuesday, July 3.