Antonio Fernandez was arrested by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office and charged with manslaughter after consulting with state attorneys, sheriff's spokeswoman Ronda Hemminger Evan said.

Johnny Michael Masukevich, 13, was pronounced dead as he was being taken to Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center, Evan said.

Evan said Fernandez told investigators that he had retrieved the handgun from a safe at his home at 8505 N. Pine Needle Terrace.

Fernandez's mother, Michelle Ash, was asleep in the house at the time, Evan said.

Fernandez told investigators during an interview that he knew the gun was loaded with one bullet, but that he didn't think it would fire, Evan said.

Evan said Fernandez told detectives that he and Masukevich took turns pointing the gun at each other and pulling the trigger. On the third pull, the gun went off, she said.

Masukevich was shot in the chest.

Authorities responded to an emergency call about 12:15 p.m.

Fernandez was being held without bail at a sheriff's facility, Evan said.

Fernandez is expected to make his first appearance in court today.

Reporter Anthony McCartney can be reached at (813) 259-7616.