TexasCHLforum.com

HAYS COUNTY -- A man has been arrested in the shooting death of a seven-year-old boy playing on a trampoline in his backyard in Hays County. Daniel Galicia later died at the hospital.

37-year-old Jose Barrera Espitia was taken into custody at his home at 3:45 Wednesday morning. The sheriff's office says a .22 caliber rifle found in his home about 200 yards away from the trampoline. Espitia is charged with manslaughter and is in the Hays County Jail. His bond has not been set.

Espitia says he was doing some target practice on a piece of wood at the time and didn't see the kids playing in the small community of Uhland Tuesday around 7:30 p.m.

"They [the children] heard what they thought were gun shots, got off the trampoline. They noticed this one boy was hurt."

Officials say a first 911 call was made to report that Galicia had been injured and fallen off the trampoline. A second 911 call was made after the family realized that Galicia had been shot.

Daniel's sister, Julianna Galicia, was at home when her younger brother was shot.

"My brother Enrique yelled and screamed, went to my house and everybody jumped and we ran as soon as possible to check on my brother [Daniel}. Then he wouldn't respond after we felt the pulse," Julianna says. Daniel was taken to Brackenridge Hospital in critical condition where he later died.

Authorities say Galicia lived in a home with 20 to 25 people. Those residents and neighbors tell authorities it's not unusual to hear gun shots.

"We're a rural county and people think it's okay, and sometimes it is. Shooting in the direction of other homes and where children play, that's not okay," Opiela says.

Besides the Hays County sheriff's Office, a Texas Ranger, the Kyle Parks and recreation department, plus fire and EMS personnel were on hand to help with the investigation. Between 20 to 30 extra officers were called in to help.

The Hays County Sheriff's office tells us the elementary school Galicia attended will have extra counselors there on Wednesday.