A Vinton woman has pleaded guilty to a charge stemming from an accidental shooting that killed a 14-year-old girl last year.KCRG-TV reports 53-year-old Robyn Merchant faces up to 10 years in prison for providing a firearm to a prohibited person. She gave a semi-automatic rifle to her then 16-year-old son, Dillon Winterroth.The weapon later went off inside a Vinton home, hitting Emma Redlinger of Vinton in the head. She died later in a hospital.Authorities say 17-year-old William Hines Junior was handling the rifle when it fired. He faces involuntary manslaughter and interference with official acts charges.A judge has ruled Hines will stand trial in July as an adult.

A Vinton woman has pleaded guilty to a charge stemming from an accidental shooting that killed a 14-year-old girl last year.

KCRG-TV reports 53-year-old Robyn Merchant faces up to 10 years in prison for providing a firearm to a prohibited person. She gave a semi-automatic rifle to her then 16-year-old son, Dillon Winterroth.


The weapon later went off inside a Vinton home, hitting Emma Redlinger of Vinton in the head. She died later in a hospital.

Authorities say 17-year-old William Hines Junior was handling the rifle when it fired. He faces involuntary manslaughter and interference with official acts charges.

A judge has ruled Hines will stand trial in July as an adult.