Burnsville man charged in shooting death of friend after a night of drinking

HASTINGS, Minn. -- A 25-year-old man was charged on Tuesday with manslaughter in the shooting death of a friend last weekend after a night of drinking.

Michael Cody Schwartz, 25, of Burnsville was charged with second degree manslaughter and reckless discharge of a firearm which are both felonies.

The victim is identified as 25-year-old Logan Daniel Ahlers of Burnsville. He was killed on Saturday night in at Schwartz's apartment located in the 2700 block of Selkirk Avenue.

Schwartz admitted to officers that he, Ahlers and Schwartz's cousin had been drinking at a nearby bar. The cousin told investigators that Schwartz and Ahlers were "extremely smashed" according to the criminal complaint.

Schwartz admits that he may have pointed a gun in the general direction of Ahlers once back at his apartment but didn't point it directly at the victim.

An argument ensued and the two struggled for the gun. That's when the gun went off hitting Ahlers in the neck, according to the criminal complaint.

Schwartz called 911 around 3 a.m. and met officers in the lobby of his apartment complex telling them, "I'm going to kill myself, honest to God... That's my best friend."

"Guns and alcohol are a deadly combination as this tragedy clearly demonstrates." Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said in a statement. "Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Logan Ahlers for their great loss."

Schwartz was also charged with two misdemeanors. He made his first appearance in court Tuesday and bail was set at $150,000 by Judge Tim Wermager. Schwartz's next court appearance will be December 14th.

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