Associated Press

KALAMAZOO — A man who authorities say pointed a gun at his brother-in-law in an apparent joke has been sentenced to more than 18 years in prison for second-degree murder in the man’s death.

The Kalamazoo Gazette reports Timothy Salo this week learned his punishment. He pleaded guilty in January and admitted that he fatally shot 29-year-old Jason Vanostran in April 2014 inside Salo’s mobile home in Kalamazoo Township.

Salo, who initially said Vanostran shot himself, apologized during the hearing and says the shooting was an accident.

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Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Gary C. Giguere Jr. says it was “a senseless, reckless act.” Vanostran died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Krista Vanostran says the death of her son has devastated her family.