Man gets probation for accidentally shooting child at Lancaster County wedding

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A man who accidentally shot a 12-year-old at a wedding in Lancaster County will spend one year on probation.

District Court Judge Jodi Nelson sentenced Michael Gardner, 63, on Monday for negligent child abuse.

The wedding was held on Sept. 30, 2023, at Hillside Events near Denton.

Gardner, who is from Texas, was the officiant. Authorities said he had a gun loaded with a homemade blank.

He meant to shoot into the air to get the guests’ attention, according to court documents, but accidentally fired the gun before raising it all the way.

The blank hit a 12-year-old in the shoulder. Their wound was not life-threatening.

“It’s just kind of neglectful to take a gun out that has blanks and fire amongst people,” Lancaster County Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said at the time.

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Gardner was initially charged with second-degree assault, but the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor under a plea deal.

He has also been ordered to pay the costs of his prosecution.