Authorities in the nation’s capital reportedly arrested the man they believe fatally shot a high school sophomore in the face Thursday.

According to the Washington Post, 18-year-old Dekale Bowman allegedly shot his girlfriend, 16-year-old Taiyania Thompson, in a D.C. apartment.

Authorities indicate Thompson was shot in the living room as she sat on the couch. Bowman reportedly admitted to firing the weapon, but claimed it was an accident, according to a witness referenced in court records.

“I love her,” Bowman allegedly said. “I did not mean to do it.”

A WJLA report included the witness’ account of the suspect’s alleged emotional confession.

“He called and stated he was in a bad spot and needed some help,” the witness said. “When he got into [the vehicle], he broke down. Later, he told me that while on social media playing with a gun and the gun accidentally went off.”

As WTOP reported, D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said at the time that Thompson was transported to an area hospital in “very, very serious condition.”

She reportedly died three days after she was shot.

According to her aunt, no one in the victim’s family had heard of the suspect, despite police reports indicating they had been dating for eight months.

“Rest assured, we want to be in court to find out who he is and why this happened,” said her aunt, Erikka Carter.

Bowman reportedly faces a charge of second-degree murder while armed. He was reportedly arrested and booked into jail, where he was ordered to be remanded until a court hearing set for early March.

[Featured image: Taiyania Thompson/GoFundMe]