A Cumberland County man is facing a federal involuntary manslaughter charge following a fatal firearms training incident at Letterkenny Army Depot earlier this year.
Federal prosecutors announced that 38-year-old Sean Stark, of Carlisle, was charged in connection with the March 12 death of U.S. Army Reservist Pfc. Krystofer Lopez.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Stark was leading or participating in a firearms training session at the Chambersburg facility when he allegedly acted in a “grossly negligent manner,” leading to the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Lopez, according to United States Attorney Brian Miller.
“The circumstances surrounding Mr. Lopez’s death are heartbreaking for his family and loved ones,” Miller said in a statement. “I hope this prosecution brings some relief for the family while ensuring that justice is delivered.”
Following the incident, Lopez received immediate emergency medical care on-site before being transported to WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Along with filing the criminal information, prosecutors revealed that Stark has agreed to waive a formal indictment and enter a guilty plea as part of a plea agreement. A formal plea hearing will be scheduled by the U.S. District Court.
“The circumstances surrounding Mr. Lopez’s death are heartbreaking for his family and loved ones,” U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller said in a statement. “I hope this prosecution brings some relief for the family while ensuring that justice is delivered.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Ford and Alisan Martin.
If convicted, Stark faces a maximum statutory sentence of up to eight years in federal prison, followed by a period of supervised release and potential monetary fines.
