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A game of Russian roulette proved deadly Sunday night, killing the 19-year-old who took the first turn.

Omahan Joey Merolla died of a gunshot wound in the head. He was found on the kitchen floor.

About 9 p.m. on Sunday, Merolla and three others were in a Pacific Winds apartment at 1215 Fawn Parkway Plaza.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said the group was playing a fatal game of chance.

“They were spinning the cylinder of the revolver in a game of Russian roulette,” Kleine said. “I think they had just started. Merolla was the first person to take the gun and put it to his head.”

Two friends saw the shooting. The third was out of the room, Kleine said.

One witness, 18-year-old Erik Valencia, allegedly took the gun and left the apartment, Kleine said. He later was charged with tampering with physical evidence, a Class IV felony.

“I don’t know what his motive was,” Kleine said.

Valencia appeared in court on Wednesday and a judge set his bail at $40,000. Valencia posted 10 percent, or $4,000, on Thursday and was released from jail.