Man accidentally shoots friend dead while acting out rap lyrics

FLORIDA, US: A man has been charged with shooting his friend dead accidentally while acting out rap lyrics.

Rodney Clay Patrick Jr, 22, was singing to the lyrics of a song with his friend Douglas Trey Winslow when he picked up a firearm, mistakenly believing it was not loaded.

As he pointed the gun at 17-year-old Winslow it went off, said police in Orlando, Florida.

Winslow died as a result.

Patrick called emergency services but initially tried to claim Winslow had shot himself in the head.

Police subsequently established this wasn't the case.

Patrick has been charged with manslaughter using a firearm, tampering with evidence and possession of a controlled substance.

He is being held in jail without a bond.