Monday, October 12, 2009

Was it an accident? Police are still investigating. But on one issue, almost everybody agrees: it could have been prevented.

Augusta High School freshman Andrea Young, 14, was shot and killed Friday night while attending an underage drinking party in the 900 block of Wirth Street in the small Butler County town, authorities said.

Monday morning, grief counselors were on hand to help Young's friends and fellow classmates.

USD 402 released a brief statement, saying: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We as a district are always concerned with the welfare of our students."

Police arrested homeowner Morgan Jarvi, 25, on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter. He could make his first court appearance to face formal charges as early as Tuesday.

Tyler Brewer, chief of Augusta's Public Safety Department, said Jarvi was showing a gun to friends at the party when it fired, killing Young. Brewer said several dozen minors were in the house at the time.

On Monday, Brewer said it all could have been prevented.

"We've got to stop this," Brewer told KAKE News. "It's against the law. They [adults] can be charged with a crime."

Brewer says the issue of underage drinking is a problem in Augusta and surrounding areas.

"I understand kids want to grow up and want to have fun," Brewer said. "I was there, I understand that. But there are just better ways to do things."

Brewer says his department has received some criticism, arguing authorities aren't doing enough to curb underage drinking and the parties where it's most often found.

But Brewer says the responsibility is shared with the public. Friday night, nobody in Jarvi's neighborhood alerted police to what was happening until it was too late, Brewer said.

"For law enforcement to be its most effective... the community has to help," Brewer said.

Brewer said some parents host drinking parties for minors with the belief it's safer for the kids to be at home and under supervision. Brewer said while the intention may be good, it's still illegal.

"We have a lot of parents who want to be their kids' best friend," Brewer said. "But you also have to be their mom and dad."

Neighbors describe Jarvi as a hard-working father. He recently separated from his wife, neighbors say, and often worked long hours to support his family.

News of his arrest shocked those around him.

"I believe it was a pure accident," one neighbor told KAKE News on the condition her name not be used. "He's a good guy. But when you drink, guns and alcohol don't mix."

The neighbor said Jarvi's party was for a younger sibling, and that large gatherings were not common at the home.

KAKE News was able to contact Jarvi's family, who declined an on-camera interview. However, relatives did say the home was "not a party house." Family members say Jarvi has two young children who live with him.

Monday afternoon, Butler County prosecutors met with investigators to discuss what - if any - charges should be filed in connection with Young's death. Jarvi was expected to make a first appearance in Butler Co. court this week, possibly as early as Tuesday.

"We know that kids will be kids," Brewer said. "Sometimes they're not going to act responsibly. But there's no excuse for an adult."

Jarvi's neighbor said the tragedy should be a reminder to all parents.

"Know where your kids are," she said. "If you've got a cell phone, check up on them once an hour... Know where they are and what they're doing."

Young's funeral is scheduled for 1:00 Thursday, Oct. 15, at Augusta's First Assembly Of God Church. A large turnout is expected.

A memorial fund has been established through the funeral home. Donations may be sent to:

Dunsford-Zeiner Funeral Home
c/o Andrea Young Memorial Fund
201 E. 5th Ave.
Augusta, KS 67010