BOSTON -- A Dorchester teen was charged with manslaughter Tuesday after his arrest for allegedly shooting his friend in the head while playing with a loaded handgun.

Rashard Monroe, 17, pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter, unlawfully carrying a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition in connection with the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Kendell Floyd.

Floyd was shot to death Monday in a Wainwright Street residence. Officials said that the teens were inside the apartment at about 2:30 p.m. when Monroe allegedly showed a handgun he was not licensed to own or carry and began "waving it around." Investigators said the gun was unintentionally discharged, firing a single round into Floyd's head and killing him. Monroe fled the scene, leaving the gun behind.

Another person present called 911, summoning police, and Floyd was taken to Boston Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Boston police homicide detectives responded to the scene and started an investigation that continued throughout the day. After collecting evidence and conducting multiple interviews, they identified, located and interviewed Monroe, who allegedly made incriminating statements indicating that he did not mean to shoot the victim. Monroe is said to have expressed remorse over his actions, police said.

Monroe was held on $250,000 cash bail. He is scheduled to return to court on March 12 for a probable cause hearing.

Floyd's death came about an hour after another teen, Enrique Baez, of Jamaica Plain, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for shooting his friend 19-year-old Cheyenne Baez under similar circumstances last year.