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Central Texas Man Accidentally Shot, Killed By Roommate Save Email Print
57 comments

(Keller Benjamin Verett)
A | A | A

(September 18, 2008)—A College Station man died Wednesday night after his roommate accidentally shot him, police said Thursday.

Keller Benjamin Verett, 24, of College Station, died Wednesday night at College Station Medical Center.

Police said his roommate was showing him an accessory on a gun that was pointed in Verett’s direction when the weapon discharged just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night in the 300 block of Fraternity Row in College Station.

Verett was struck in the head.

Police officers performed CPR until paramedics arrived, but efforts to save Verett were unsuccessful.

Verett was originally from Waco.

Verett is listed in Texas A&M’s online directory as an EMS volunteer health center technician.
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Posted by: Anon Location: Waco on Nov 5, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Wow...you people don't even know the situation firsthand and y'all judging people? You are the ones who have no common sense. It wasn't even on campus and it was a total and complete accident. You people make me sick. It was not because the roommate didn't know what he was doing. If any of you were in this situation you wouldn't appreciate what you're saying to and about the family.
Posted by: Anna Location: Centex on Sep 21, 2008 at 07:38 AM
First let me state that this is just an opinion on my part. I don't know the statistics. It seems to me that the more we the American population goes down the "gun control" road the more accidental shootings occur. One possible explanation could be that fewer and fewer people are actually "taught" how to handle guns. My children where raised with loaded guns in the house. They were exposed to them early. They never thought they were toys. They never saw them as a mysterious thing that they needed to go look at when mom and dad were out. They just were there. Like the coffee cups in the cupboard. Today all 3 of my grown children own a gun. It is automatic for them to unload it every time they touch it. I don't even think they realized there is any other way to handle a gun. While there could still be an accident, the chances are considerably lessened with proper education. My prayers go to both families and loved ones here.
Posted by: Anon Location: Waco on Sep 20, 2008 at 09:49 PM
All parties involved will be in my prayers. This sounded like an extroardinary guy. For all of those trying to place blame, accidents do happen and this one took the cake. My prayers go to the roommate as well. He will live with this for the rest of his life. What guilt he must feel. May God lift this burden from him and help him heel as well.
Posted by: Heart Of Texas Location: waco on Sep 20, 2008 at 09:25 AM
As stated; "The Very-First-Thing-Anyone-Should Know-About-Guns". NEVER POINT A GUN AT ANYTHING YOU DON'T INTEND TO KILL!!! PERIOD. I'm very,very sorry for the people involved, especially the victim.
Posted by: hood soldier Location: ft hood on Sep 19, 2008 at 10:30 PM
i saw this happen in afghanistan same scenario, i didnt think it could happen again.
Posted by: michelle Location: killeen on Sep 19, 2008 at 10:08 PM
to Catie in College Station, thank you for your stand up comments! You have shown what kind of wonderful person Keller was, and the impact he had on your life, as well as others. Sometimes things on this page become distorted, but you put everything in perspective! May God Bless Keller's family and the young man involved and his family!!! God took an Angel home so that he could watch over all of us!
Posted by: Catie Location: College Station on Sep 19, 2008 at 06:49 PM
to all of you who knew keller, you know how amazing he was. I was fortunate enough to have seen him that very day. he had just returned from helping out in galveston and wanted to tell me ALL about it. i admire the courage and selflessness of keller verett. he was always there for me when i needed him, and like a big brother to me. his ability to make people laugh was excellent. i will say that it truly was an honor to have met him and have him in my life. he will be extremely missed. my heart and prayers go out to the veretts and all of kellers many friends. i love you keller verett and i hope to see you soon. rest in peace buddy...
Posted by: waco Location: waco on Sep 19, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Elizabeth I agree with you. I hope the young man can take care of himself and be ok. Keller as your friend has already forgiven you because he knows it was an accident. Please take care of yourself and just give it to God and he will forgive you and bless you. God bless both families.
Posted by: Kenneth Location: Waco on Sep 19, 2008 at 02:56 PM
I agree with Rob in Philadelphia. He named the 4 basic rules. When I was growing up we had those 4 word for word plus a 5th one. Always be sure of your backstop or what is behind the target and likely to get hit also.
Posted by: LYN Location: KILLEEN on Sep 19, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Rene, I don't think college has anything to do with smart you sometimes need common sence and thats not taught, you either have it or you don't.
Posted by: seriously... Location: waco on Sep 19, 2008 at 01:21 PM
This is so sad. I really pray for the families of both parties. What a tragedy. Wow.. and here are some of you again trying to blame the parent. Geez. Sometimes accidents just happen. You are all in my prayers.
Posted by: Elizabeth Location: Waco on Sep 19, 2008 at 01:13 PM
I grew up next door to Keller and his family. They are a strong group of people who supported one another in a way that surpasses the bondage of family- it was unconditional agape love. My thoughts and prayers are with his surviving siblings and father- they remained strong even after his mother lost her battle with cancer in recent years. They have the strength to forgive and grow. My concern is for his roommate- what a heartache to bear! For anyone he knows, please wish him well and support and love him so that one day he might be able to change his guilt and grief to a positive action for himself and others. It's hard to learn the lessons in life but hwat a gift it is when we can turn tragedy into triumph! To the young man himself- I know that Keller has already forgiven you and wishes the same prayers upon you.
Posted by: A.T. on Sep 19, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Rest in Peace Keller.
Posted by: MMH Location: BELTON on Sep 19, 2008 at 11:59 AM
My thoughts and prayers to the families of this tragedy. The first question would be, what was the roommate doing with a loaded gun at school? I understand and support the right to bear arms but, I don't support the right for UNEDUCATED people to have them. I was taught at an early age how to properly inspect and handle a hand gun, rifle and shot gun. I will do the same with my son. Like Robert De Niro says in Righteous Kill..."Most people respect the badge but everyone respects the gun." It would be nice if everyone respected both and adhered to all safety protocols when handling firearms. You see these stories in the paper all the time. Why doesn't everyone listen? Because they don't think it'll happen to them. Yes, accidents happen. But accidents like this shouldn't.
Posted by: michelle Location: killeen on Sep 19, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Why is it, when there is ANYTHING to do with death and guns, it is the guns fault or the governments fault because the gun or the government are naughty and they drill it in to your head that if you own a gun you must kill something. This sounds like a terrible tragedy, but in reality, it was a person who mishandled a gun, not the gun mishandling the person. The young man involved will have to go thru the rest of his life with all of this, I can not imagine the absolute heartbreak and grief he is experiencing, along with the family of Keller, but this young man will need a lot of support and I pray his family and friends will stand by him. God Bless both families involved!
Posted by: FRIEND OF THE FAMILY Location: WACO TX on Sep 19, 2008 at 11:20 AM
MAY GOD COMFORT YOU IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 19, 2008 at 10:45 AM
We will miss you Keller- We had some great times. And to the rest of the Veretts, you know where to find me if you need me- Right up the street.
Posted by: Tears and Smiles for Keller Location: China Spring, TX on Sep 19, 2008 at 10:25 AM
I came to this site thinking I might read some wonderful stories of the Keller Verrett I knew...when thinking of him and this tragedy, as tears roll down my cheeks as I learn of this loss I also smile at all the wonderful memories, how sad that people could take this heartbreaking situation to further their political views. Those of you that have done this need as much prayer as this precious family and friends going through this tragedy. Only God's guidance gives us hope at such sad times, stop pointing fingers and take a good long look at yourself and your heart (though it's hard to believe some of the people behind these comments have a heart...or brain )
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Sep 19, 2008 at 09:59 AM
The only people that need to be sued here are the ones responsible for "Ryans" education.
Posted by: Rob Location: Philadelphia on Sep 19, 2008 at 09:55 AM
It an absolute shame that someone lost their life because their room mate couldn't follow the basic rules of firearm safety. 1. All guns are always loaded. 2. Never point the weapon towards anything you are not willing to destroy. 3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. 4. Always be sure of your target. My prayers go out to the victim's family, but the fact that this could have been easily avoided makes this that much more bittersweet.
Posted by: FRIEND OF FAMILY Location: HEWITT on Sep 19, 2008 at 09:07 AM
You people are so insensitive, enough with the firearms comments. To not have known the ENTIRE story or the people involved, it was an ACCIDENT. THIS WAS GOD'S WILL AND THAT'S ALL THERE IS TO IT- THAT'S WHY IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE -IT'S NOT SUPPOSE TO-YOU DON'T QUESTION GOD. YES, it makes us angry to think of the carelessness but a higher power took over. Try to be supportive -I'm horrified to think the family members are reading these rude FIREARMS comments. If YOU KNEW THE FAMILY -YOU WOULD NOT POST SUCH TACKY COMMENTS THEY ARE SUCH A LOVING STRONG CHRISTIAN FAMILY. GOD BLESS ALL YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE.
Posted by: ROBERT Location: CHINA SPRING on Sep 19, 2008 at 06:14 AM
if guns kill people, pencils misspell words. people need to be more responsible. parents teach your kids about firearms early. pound the 3 rules in them at all cost. im sorry someone had to die but ALL firearm accidents are attributed to HUMAN error, not inanimamt objests. why cant people get this through there thick skulls. remember its MY right to have firearms, and YOUR right NOT to have firearms. ryan, you sound like a productive member of society. how bout you work for a living instead of trying to sue for everything. take some responsibility in life. one a side note, should we ban bibles,korans and religious books.....after all there are terrorist WEAPONS also.
Posted by: Tim Location: Waco on Sep 19, 2008 at 04:45 AM
GUNS arent killes people are. Accidents happen my prayers are with all involved..This friend will never get over this thats enough....
Posted by: Anne Location: St Louis, MO on Sep 19, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Keller was a dynamic young man who was loved by family and friends. He will be missed so much. My prayers are with his family.
Posted by: Jason Location: Temple on Sep 19, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Keller was a former Chief of Texas A&M EMS and recently graduated from A&M. A memorial service is set for Saturday, 1 pm at Highland Baptist Church in Waco. Public service persons are requested to wear a uniform.
Posted by: Lucinda Location: HEWITT on Sep 18, 2008 at 11:47 PM
KELLER your with JESUS and your MOM. I can't imagine the pain your family is going through;the saddness, the unexpected, the unfairness. I will pray that your family heals and finds comfort. Ya'll are such an AWESOME CHRISTIAN FAMILY, it's so sad that God needed you back so soon in your young life. Your mom and dad raised you well. I am proud to have known you, and your entire family, you will be missed.
Posted by: to ryan Location: waco on Sep 18, 2008 at 10:26 PM
yeah ryan you obviously did not read the story.
Posted by: anonomous Location: waco on Sep 18, 2008 at 09:24 PM
to keller's family and friends, know that the prayers of the community are with you. The Lord will see you through this.
Posted by: ryan Location: jackson on Sep 18, 2008 at 07:51 PM
please ban guns i hope the family sues texas a&m for every penny there worth for letting terroist weapons anywhere near campus
Posted by: Steve Location: Waco on Sep 18, 2008 at 06:03 PM
Miss you Keller... I suspect you are on a John Deere at your Mom's place!! Thank You Jesus for being the Way for us Home.
Posted by: omg Location: temple on Sep 18, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Instead of everyone putting their two cents in on who to blame, Could you respect this grieving family? Accidents happen, thats life, laying the blame is not going to change the fact of the matter.
Posted by: Stacy Location: Waco on Sep 18, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Everyone has a careless moment, Im sorry it had to end in such tragedy. My thoughts and preyers are with the Verret family and the room mate, Keller was a wonderful giving christian boy he is In A Great Place, Its the survivers I feel for.
Posted by: Friend of the family Location: Waco,Tx on Sep 18, 2008 at 04:59 PM
I believe the most important thing about this is Keller lived his life, he lived it to the fullest. And for all of you going off about the 2nd amendment and guns being band,show a little respect for the family and friends who are reading this and grieving for their lost. All of us who are friends with the Family are in this together!
Posted by: Sandy Location: Waco on Sep 18, 2008 at 03:41 PM
If you're going to show off your gun you should always check to see if it's loaded or unloaded, check to make sure the safety is on and when examining it, always point it away from you and surely don't point it at anyone else. Think safety people - if not handled properly bad things happen.
Posted by: Anon on Sep 18, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Keller was a really special person, and it is not easy finding people like him you can depend on to always be a good friend. His smile lit up a room, and he was a joy to be around.
Posted by: MT Palermo Location: KIlleen on Sep 18, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Many times when a car accident happens its someone's fault. texting, eating, drinking or sleeping while driving. NO maintenance on the car <- not adhering to the rules of the road <-. All are attributed to the "person" not the vehicle. Same with a gun. Lets be responsible out here with a car or a gun. Two families are devastated, lots of friends emotionally damaged. Pray for all the those involved.
Posted by: An Observer Location: Waco on Sep 18, 2008 at 02:28 PM
How did Bush and NRA get brought into this? If you are going to try to use wit to further some whacked out liberal agenda, please try and use the proper spelling and meaning of words. Not only do you look like a whacked out liberal, you look like a stupid, uneducated whacked out liberal. It is shame that this boy was killed and it only takes a moment of lack of judgement for an accident to occur but who points any weapon at someone else? This was a result of lack of total common sense for everyone involved. You never, ever point a weapon at someone else. Just remember when guns are outlawed, outlaws will be the only ones with guns.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: College Station on Sep 18, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Our Thoughts and Prayers to the Verett,Texas A&M EMS and Legacy EMS famlies. Keller you will be greatly missed.
Posted by: anonymous Location: Waco on Sep 18, 2008 at 01:54 PM
John 8:7 Look it up.
Posted by: Wisest one of All Location: Earth on Sep 18, 2008 at 01:48 PM
This wasn't an accidental discharge this was a negligent discharge. An accidental discharge would be if the firearm fired without someone else handling it. A negligent discharge is someone handling a firearm improperly.
Posted by: Patriot Location: Texas on Sep 18, 2008 at 01:41 PM
lilly, I agree with you. But, this is the kind of incident that the liberal anti-gun lobbiest track to try and abolish our Right to Bear Arms. Never ever point or play with a loaded gun. Prayers to the families....
Posted by: Karin Location: Arlington on Sep 18, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Verrett Family - Kevin, I'm praying for you all. God bless.
Posted by: GTHogHunter Location: Killeen on Sep 18, 2008 at 12:58 PM
God Bless all families involved in this tragedy. For everyone else, Never forget the very simple basics of firearme safety. Why? No-one is faster than stupidity. No-one is faster than a speeding bullet.
Posted by: anonymous on Sep 18, 2008 at 12:53 PM
I completely agree with lilly...let's support Keller's family and his roommate through this tragedy. Is it possible to have a little sensitivity to the situation and save the second amendment arguments for perhaps a more appropriate time?
Posted by: anonymous on Sep 18, 2008 at 12:20 PM
In response to D's comment - The Second Amendment is the Right to Bear Arms and not our right to BARE arms. Big difference!
Posted by: waco Location: waco on Sep 18, 2008 at 12:12 PM
This happened to my family in Jan.08. He was just showing her the gun and now we go visit her every other weekend in the ground. Not fair and THIS person was a teenager so I can't believe this was an adult!!!!! God Bless his family and the boy that shot him because HE will live with this the rest of his life.
Posted by: JC Location: Waco Area on Sep 18, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Well it wasnt bush's fault or was it the NRA's Fault this was a careless act on one persons fault. SO D just remeber your words IF OUR guns get banned you just open yourself up to vuneralbilty to the crooks cause they will be armed when the law bidding citizens will be disarmed think about that when you get home invaded and you loose a loved one in your home then you can think the Democrats for your loss........ jmho... But I do Feel for the parents on others in his family prayers goes out to them...
Posted by: lilly Location: waco on Sep 18, 2008 at 11:53 AM
I am so sorry this happened to a family that has already suffured so much grief. For the room mate that will be affected for life for the pain and lose he has was a part of. An accident , never the less can not be taken back. Please pray for all those who are involved. A tragedy that could happen to any of us. Let's support them, not blame and condem to make it feel better for us. he will be missed
Posted by: James Location: Riesel on Sep 18, 2008 at 11:42 AM
rene, I agree that you never point a gun at anyone but accidents can happen at anytime. For you to make a comment about someone smart enough to be going to college, seems cold.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 18, 2008 at 11:38 AM
This was an accident, has nothing to do with Bush, Texas or the NRA. I think we should be thinking about his family and friends and the loss they are having to deal with.
Posted by: I JUST WANT TO KNOW Location: WHAT HE WAS THINKING on Sep 18, 2008 at 11:34 AM
D in Waco you are an idiot!!!! It may be our right to bare arms, but some people just shouldn't be allowed like this idiot that killed his roommate. It won't matter after this though he will be a felon and will no longer have the right to bare arms. It is a tragic accident that this happened but it is still murder.
Posted by: jesse Location: cove on Sep 18, 2008 at 11:23 AM
I too applaud the "right to BARE arms"!!! Hairy ones are kind of freaky!!!!
Posted by: Kenneth Location: Waco on Sep 18, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Looks like the room mate forgot most of the 5 rules of firearms handling. I have to agree with you Rene the person is not smart enough to go to college.
Posted by: R Location: Texas, USA on Sep 18, 2008 at 11:03 AM
So I guess if you have an auto accident it's the car's fault? It's the responsiblity of the gentlemen involved to make sure the weapon is unloaded. My prayers to his family and friends.
Posted by: D Location: WACO on Sep 18, 2008 at 10:41 AM
GOD BLESS AMERICA TEXAS AND BUSH AND THE NRA FOR OUR RIGHT TO BARE ARMS
Posted by: rene Location: waco on Sep 18, 2008 at 10:32 AM
come on! you never, never, never point a gun at anyone. that's firearms 101. such a senseless loss of life. God bless those who will suffer from this careless act. please don't tell me this was someone smart enough to be going to college!
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