The woman who was killed was shot once in the Syracuse home by her partner, which may have been an accident

Syracuse, N.Y. (AP) — A 27-year-old Syracuse woman killed Friday was shot once from a distance in the home she shared with the man accused of shooting her, authorities said Monday.

According to a criminal complaint filed Sunday in Syracuse City Court, Kimberlin C. Gatewood was shot in the abdomen with a .22-caliber handgun around 6:14 p.m. Friday. She later died at Upstate University Hospital.

Maurice J. Giles, 30, turned himself in to Syracuse police on Sunday, police said. He was charged with second-degree manslaughter and claims he negligently caused Gatewood’s death.

According to Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, the shooting was believed to be an accident.

The Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the shot that killed Gatewood was fired from a “long distance,” police said in court records.

Gatewood and Giles were alone in the home at 1521 S. State St. when Giles fired the shot, police said.

According to Fitzpatrick, the two had a long-term relationship.

The weapon used was a ghost gun, Fitzpatrick said. A ghost gun is a weapon that cannot be found and is usually privately made from parts of other weapons.

Giles was also charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He is being held at the Justice Center Jail. He was arraigned and bail was set at $2 million surety or $1 million cash.

Staff writer Timia Cobb reports on breaking news. Do you have a tip, story idea, question or comment? You can reach them at [email protected].