A 51-year-old Fayette man is facing a felony charge for accidentally shooting his son to death.

Officers with the Fayette Police Department were dispatched to a report of a gunshot victim on February 20. Upon arrival, officers were notified the victim was deceased inside the residence.

Eddie Martin Valencia told authorities he accidentally shot his son when he was checking his .308-caliber rifle. Valencia said he did not check to see if the rifle was loaded.

Valencia is charged with a Class C Felony for Involuntary Manslaughter in the First Degree. Valencia posted $25,000 surety bond on March 4.

Valencia waived formal arraignment on March 25. Preliminary Hearing Setting in this case is set for 10 a.m., Thursday, May 27 at Howard County Circuit Court.