Teenager accidentally shot listed in serious condition

MORRISTOWN — A town of Morristown teenager was listed in serious condition in a Syracuse hospital Monday after being accidentally shot Sunday night while looking over a shotgun his brother purchased from a friend, state police said.

Andrew J. Durham, 18, of 42 Walrath Road, was shot in the neck and cheek around 9:30 p.m. by birdshot from a 16-gauge shotgun when his brother, Travis L. Durham, 17, was showing him the weapon, an investigator said.

"They were checking out the gun when it accidentally discharged," Investigator Jared W. Duffy said.

Travis then called emergency dispatchers to report the accidental shooting. No parents were home at the time of the shooting. The weapon was legally purchased, investigators said.

"I don't know how it went off. I don't remember my finger near the trigger," Travis Durham told investigators in a statement.

Andrew Durham initially was taken to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Ogdensburg, before being transferred to Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, investigators said. He was listed in serious condition Monday, hospital officials said. The investigation is continuing.