EPPD: Man trying to sell ‘illegal shotgun’ accidentally killed self

El Paso Police say a man accidentally shot and killed himself while mishandling a shotgun with illegal modifications.

The man was allegedly trying to sell the shotgun at the time, police said.

Early Tuesday morning, police responded to a shots fired call on the 2400 block of Desert View Drive. Police say the body of 41-year-old Israel Perez was discovered at the scene.

Police originally believed the shooting death was gang related and heavily armed police officers arrived at the scene.

A police investigation determined Perez grabbed the shotgun from the trunk, the trigger became snagged, and the shotgun discharged, striking and killing Perez.

Police say the shotgun was found to have illegal modifications, including the removal of the trigger guard, which compromised the safety of the weapon by exposing the trigger.

The case is still pending final autopsy results.