Man won't be jailed for killing friend

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A Carmel man will avoid prison for his role in the shooting death of a friend.

Former Purdue student 23-year-old Cory Lynch pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in the death of 21-year-old Landon Siela.

Landon Siela was shot through the neck at an apartment in West Lafayette, Indiana in August last year, the weekend before Purdue classes started.

Police said the incident began Lynch and another friend, 22-year-old William Calderon, both had .45 caliber guns pointed at Landon Siela when he came out of a room. Lynch's gun discharged unintentionally during what police said was a joke.

Police said the incident was alcohol-related.

During sentencing Friday morning, Landon Siela's father, Ronald Siela, requested that Lynch receive the minimum sentence allowed. Ronald Siela told the court that his son would not want Lynch's life ruined by the shooting.

"Landon would always protect his friends, no matter what," Ronald Siela told the courtroom.

Circuit Judge Don Daniel handed Lynch a three-year sentence, but none of that will be in prison. Lynch will serve two years in community corrections, one year on probation, and 288 hours of community service. He will also have to complete substance abuse counseling and submit to random drug screenings.

When he handed down the sentence, Judge Daniel said he'd never seen a case in which someone died and no one went to prison.

The Siela family did not wish to talk on camera, but said they were happy with the outcome of today's sentencing.