A Tomball teenager charged in the death of his 16-year-old brother has avoided prison after a Harris County judge approved a plea agreement, reducing the charge and placing him on probation.
Rhyder Tettleton, 17, was originally charged with manslaughter after the November 2024 incident inside a barn behind the family’s home. On Monday, a Harris County judge accepted a plea agreement reducing the charge to criminally negligent homicide, a felony, and sentenced Tettleton to four years of deferred adjudication community supervision.
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As part of his probation, Tettleton must comply with several court-ordered conditions, including remaining in Harris County or surrounding areas, avoiding drugs and alcohol, attending a gun safety class, and continuing mental health treatment with a licensed psychiatrist. He will also be required to submit to regular drug and alcohol testing and report to a community supervision officer as directed.
Prosecutors said the shooting happened during a night of drinking among a group of teens, who had been dry firing guns they believed were unloaded. Witnesses told investigators they heard a shot and saw Tettleton standing next to his brother holding the gun. The victim, 16, reportedly pleaded for help after being shot in the abdomen before collapsing.
OUR FIRST REPORT: Brother charged after 16-year-old shot, killed inside Tomball barn
According to court records, Tettleton initially denied involvement, later admitting to police that he believed the gun was unloaded when he fired it. He also allegedly encouraged other teens to take responsibility for the shooting.
Family attorney Andrea Kolski described the incident as a “tragic accident” and said Tettleton performed CPR on his brother while waiting for first responders.
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’s plea deal means that if he completes the terms of his probation, he will avoid a formal conviction on his record. His case will remain under court supervision for the next four years.
