Bryan, TX — The Bryan Police Department has released a detailed account of its investigation into the May 2 shooting that ultimately resulted in the death of Caden Crow, explaining why no immediate arrest was made and disputing what the department called inaccurate information surrounding the case.
According to police, Charles Boggan told dispatch that he accidentally shot his roommate, Crow, while checking whether a firearm was unloaded. Investigators said alcohol appeared to be a contributing factor and documented observations, Boggan’s admission to drinking and witness accounts indicating he had consumed alcohol before the shooting.
While Crow was being treated at St. Joseph Hospital, police said medical personnel relayed several statements from Crow, including that the shooting was an accident and that Boggan “didn’t mean to” shoot him.
Based on the information available at the time, investigators said they found no evidence of malicious intent. Boggan remained at the scene, cooperated with investigators and was not considered an immediate threat to the public, according to police.
Crow was later transferred by helicopter to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.
Bryan Police subsequently presented the case to the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of a criminally negligent homicide charge. Police said the evidence presented included information investigators believed demonstrated Boggan was intoxicated when he handled and discharged the firearm.
The department also directly disputed reporting by Dolcefino Media that suggested Bryan Police Lt. James Murphy or his wife had a familial relationship with the Boggan family. Bryan Police said neither is related to the family and called any assertion or implication of such a relationship “factually incorrect.”
The department said it released the clarification to provide the public with an accurate understanding of the circumstances surrounding the case.