Two brothers are now dead after an accidental shooting and subsequent suicide, according to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

It happened around 11:15 p.m. last night, just outside of Opelousas.

Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says Joshua Miller, 27, of New Roads, accidentally shot and killed his brother Jeremiah Miller, 23, of Ventress, at their grandmother’s house.

Investigators say after realizing what he had done, Joshua Miller reportedly then turned the gun on himself and killed himself.

Deputies on the scene spoke to a witness who was in the room at the time of the incident, who told investigators that Joshua was “horseplaying” with a handgun that was believed to be unloaded.

The witness said Joshua picked up the handgun, pointed it at Jeremiah and pulled the trigger, striking his brother in the chest.

After realizing what he had done, Joshua then turned the gun on himself and fired a fatal shot.

Sheriff Guidroz says it doesn’t appear to have been an intentional act.