Niagara County Judge Peter L. Broderick granted a defense request for more time to complete a mental health examination of Jack L. Lewis, 17, of River Road.

He is charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of Cole W. Aydelotte, 16, of Grand Island, who was killed March 23 in Lewis' home.

Police said Aydelotte placed one bullet in the chamber of a revolver owned by Lewis' father, spun the chamber and pointed it at Lewis. There was no shot. Lewis then took the gun, spun the chamber, and shot Aydelotte in the head.

Defense attorney Cheryl Meyers Booth said, "We are working steadily toward a negotiated settlement of this case. . . . We hope by October there's a resolution."

She said the mental health evaluation is not aimed at establishing Lewis' competence to stand trial, but is intended to play a role in a possible plea bargain. Lewis would be eligible for youthful offender status. The maximum sentence on the manslaughter count is five to 15 years in prison.