Detroit Dad Charged With Murder After Boy Kills Self With Shotgun Found At Home
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A Detroit man has been charged with second-degree murder after police say his 9-year-old son accidentally killed himself with a short-barreled shotgun he found at home.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said 45-year-old Christopher Duran Head also is charged with involuntary manslaughter, second degree child abuse and weapons offenses — including possession by a felon — in the death of Daylen Makhai Head Monday, on the city's west side.
The accused was due in 36th District Court for an arraignment Thursday and court records didn't list a lawyer for him.
Police have said the boy was handling a shotgun in the 6600 block of Barton Street, near Livernois and Tireman when the weapon went off.
The father was at home along with another child.
The prosecutor's office said Daylen was shot in the head with the gun, which was loaded and wasn't secured. The boy was a student in nearby Dearborn. It's unclear why he wasn't at school that day.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement Thursday that the case remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time.
On the day of the shooting, Detroit Police Chief James Craig said this should serve as a reminder for gun owners to lock up their weapons.
"Clearly, a 9-year-old or any young person should not have access to firearms in a home. It shouldn't happen," Craig said. "There is never an excuse for that — never."
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