Boy, 11, shoots toddler in face after finding gun in cupboard
An 11-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly shooting a three-year-old boy in the face.
The older boy had been visiting his father’s house in the US city of Detroit on Monday (Aug 3) when he found a gun in a cupboard, prosecutor Kym Worthy said.
He picked it up, threw it out a bedroom window and went outside to retrieve it.
He then took it into a car parked in the yard.
The toddler joined the boy in the vehicle and was shot a short time later.
Police at the scene said the boys had been playing with the gun.
The victim was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital.
With intent, without malice
The older boy has been charged with manslaughter – death by weapon aimed with intent but without malice – and using a firearm during a felony, local media reported on Wednesday (Aug 5).
Said the prosecutor: "I cannot remember a time where we have charged someone so young with taking a life.
"Very unfortunately and very tragically, the alleged facts in this case demanded it.
"The charged respondent here will remain in the juvenile system, but the case remains under investigation.
"As a result of that, I will not say more at this time."
The victim's family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds "to cover the cost of funeral arrangements".
The page stated: "His bright smile, contagious laughter, and sweet personality will forever be missed. He was and will always be loved by his entire family and we are extremely devastated by this tragic loss."
Sources: AFP, Click On Detroit, 10TV, CBS Detroit
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