TOMBALL, Texas – Rhyder Tettleton appeared in front of a judge for the first time since being charged in his younger brother’s death.
Both of Tettleton’s parents joined him during his hearing on Monday, Dec. 2. The parents didn’t speak during the hearing or with KPRC 2.
Tettleton told Judge Matthew Peneguy he understood a manslaughter charge could result in a 20-year prison sentence if he is convicted.
Tettleton, 17, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter for his role in the death of his 16-year-old brother. Investigators also said the teens had been drinking.
OUR FIRST REPORT: Brother charged after 16-year-old shot, killed inside Tomball barn
The shooting happened in a barn behind the family’s home in Tomball, where witnesses say the group of teens had been dry firing guns—believing they were unloaded—throughout the night.
During a probable cause hearing last week, prosecutors shared a witness told investigators they heard a gunshot, looked up, and saw Tettleton holding the handgun used in the shooting, standing next to his brother before he collapsed.
Another witness heard the brother say, “I think I’m gonna die. Help me! Help me!” after being shot.
MORE DETAILS: ‘I think I’m gonna die’: Court docs reveal 16-year-old pleaded for help after being fatally shot by teen brother
Tettleton also allegedly told other people to take responsibility for the shooting or say another person had done it. When officers spoke to Tettleton, he denied any involvement and said he couldn’t remember any details on what happened.
Family attorney Andrea Kolski described the shooting as a “tragic accident,” emphasizing that there may have been misunderstandings or misstatements surrounding the events.
“The night of the tragic accident, there was a number of things that I’m sure were misstated or will come to light during the pendency of this case,” Kolski said. “But what I will say, is that this was a tragic accident and that will be something that will be evident.”
Kolski told KPRC 2’s Rilwan Balogun shortly after the shooting, as the other teenagers scrambled, Tettleton performed CPR on his brother as they awaited law enforcement.
“The parents are fully supportive of their son who’s here in court today, but still mourning, of course, the loss of their youngest son,” Kolski told Balogun.
Prosecutors say they will go through the discovery process and review law enforcement reports, witness interviews, and review body cameras.
Tettleton’s next court date is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 17.
