Police officer charged with killing fellow officer in apparent game of Russian roulette

A St. Louis police officer was charged with involuntary manslaughter for shooting and killing another officer during a Russian roulette-style game, according to KTVI-TV.

The victim was 24-year-old officer Katlyn Alix, who was off-duty at the time of the incident. Nathaniel Hendren, the officer who allegedly shot and killed her, was on-duty.

What happened?

According to the probable cause statement, Hendren and his partner were on duty and at Hendren's home at about 1 a.m. Thursday morning. Alix stopped by, for reasons that have not been reported yet.

While they were at Hendren's home, Hendren pulled out a revolver. He emptied the cylinder, put one cartridge back in, then spun it. Hendren then pointed the gun away from the other officers and pulled the trigger, but the gun didn't fire.

Alix took the gun, spun the cylinder again, pointed it at Hendren, and pulled the trigger again. It still didn't fire.

Hendren took the revolver back, pointed it at Alix and pulled the trigger, shooting her. She died at the hospital.

What has the department said?

The department issued a statement at 2:50 a.m. Thursday announcing Alix's death.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that the officer transported to the hospital has succumbed to her injuries," the statement on Twitter read. "We ask that you keep the officer's family and the entire SLMPD in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of our officer and friend."

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner promised to pursue justice for Alix's family.

"I have said this many times before; I will hold people accountable who violate Missouri law regardless of their profession, public status or station in life," Gardner wrote Friday. "Today, as much as it saddens my staff and me to file these charges, Katlyn and her family deserve accountability and justice."

If convicted on the manslaughter charge, Hendren faces 3-10 years in prison.