"It was more a combination of alcohol and stupidity." In the case of a 16-year-old San Jose, California, lad, that's the best Police Sgt. Steve Dixon could come up with to explain why the boy is now dead. Jacob Salas had been drinking beer with his pal, 19-year-old Richard Jimenez. The two decided to go outside and play a little game in which they take turns punching one another in the chest until someone gives up.

"I'm told this was something they did before," Dixon said. This time, a solid jab to the chest caused Salas to fall over and die. Jimenez, seeing his pal collapse, immediately ran away. He was arrested the following morning when detectives found him hanging out at another friend's home.

Dixon believes the death didn't involve any malice, but investigations continue and Jimenez could face charges of involuntary manslaughter.

» Scott Saxon