Reuters
A California man pleaded guilty on Tuesday to making a hoax 911 call last December that led police to fatally shoot a Kansas man. Tyler R. Barriss, 26, pleaded guilty to 51 charges in an agreement with federal prosecutors on Tuesday, including federal charges initially filed in California and the District of Columbia related to other fake calls and threats. He also admitted to making a false report resulting in a death, cyberstalking, and conspiracy related to the deadly “swatting” calls in Kansas. “Swatting,” a practice that’s popular among gamers, refers to the SWAT teams who respond to the prank calls. Barriss was accused of calling 911 on Dec. 28 to report a shooting and kidnapping at a Wichita home after a spat between online gamers playing Call of Duty. The man at the address, 28-year-old Andrew Finch, was fatally shot by cops when he opened the door. Barriss faces at least 20 years behind bars under the plea deal. His sentencing was set for January 30.