Man Accused of Shooting Woman in Head While Playing with Gun in Tuscaloosa County

A young man has been charged with first-degree assault after he allegedly shot a woman in the head while recklessly playing with a gun in Buhl this weekend. The victim is fighting for her life.

Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the multi-agency Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, said county sheriff's deputies were called to the 10000 block of Sam Jones Road in Buhl at about 11:30 p.m. Sunday night, where they discovered a woman had been shot in the head.

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Kennedy said the victim is in critical condition and may not survive her injuries.

The VCU responded to investigate, and Kennedy said they believe both the suspect, 21-year-old Jovany Hernandez, and the woman he allegedly shot were attending a small gathering at the Tuscaloosa County residence.

Alcohol was consumed, and Kennedy said the group was also shooting guns recreationally.

"Witnesses reported the suspect had been acting recklessly by 'pulling' a pistol in a playful manner at times during the evening," Kennedy told local media. "At the time that the victim was shot, the suspect reported he believed that his weapon was unloaded and that he 'accidentally' shot the victim. The witnesses all confirmed that there was no disagreement or altercation and that they all believed that the suspect did not intend to shoot the victim."

Even so, the woman who was shot may die, and Kennedy said this "accident" was the result of "profoundly reckless" behavior.

Hernandez was arrested and charged with first-degree assault and jailed with no bond.

"The victim is still in critical condition," Kennedy said. "If the victim does not survive, the charges could be upgraded."