Shea Michael Harkins (Arrested)
DOB: 3/30/1994
3364 Brian Road South in Palm Harbor
Charges: One count Manslaughter

Sean Cook (Victim – deceased)
DOB: 1/28/1994
2578 Oak Trail South #101 in Clearwater

According to detectives, on June 18, 2020, 26-year-old Sean Cook came to the residence of 26-year-old Shea Harkins. The two friends went upstairs to Harkins bedroom to visit and play video games.

Detectives say at about 7:48 p.m., Harkins went and retrieved a Colt M4 rifle that he had been customizing prior to Cook’s arrival.

During an interview with detectives, Harkins said he returned to the bedroom and pointed the rifle at Cook as a joke. Harkins told detectives his actions caused Cook to casually remark “What, are you going to shoot me?”. Harkins admitted to detectives he pulled the trigger on what he thought was an unloaded weapon.

Detectives say the rifle had a bullet in the chamber and Harkins’ reckless action caused the weapon to fire, striking Cook in the chest.

Cook was transported to Mease Countryside Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 8:55 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2020.

Detectives arrested Harkins and charged him with one count of Manslaughter.

Harkins was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

Cook’s next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Robbery / Homicide Unit
Forensic Science Division

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery / Homicide Unit are conducting a death investigation after a shooting in Palm Harbor.

When:
Deputies were called to the location at about 7:48 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2020.

Where:
The shooting occurred at a residence located at 3364 Brian Road in Palm Harbor.

Why/How:
At about 7:48 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2020, deputies responded to a shooting at a residence, located at 3364 Brian Road in Palm Harbor.

When deputies arrived on scene, they discovered an adult male with a gunshot wound. The victim later succumbed to his injuries.

Detectives say the shooter and victim were known to each other and there is no threat to the public.

Next of kin has not been notified.

Detectives are on-scene and the investigation is on-going. 

The investigation continues.