Toddler shot, killed by 14-year-old cousin inside Brewerytown house: police
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A 14-year-old shot and killed their 2-year-old cousin inside a house in Philadelphia's Brewerytown neighborhood Thursday, police said. It happened in the 1600 block of North 29th Street.
Police said four adults and four children were inside the home -- the children were ages 14, 9, 1 and 2. Police believe they were all family members.
"It doesn't appear like there was any malicious intent or anything of that sort," Philadelphia Police Sgt. Eric Gripp said.
Investigators claim the teen got access to an unsecured firearm inside the house and fired at least once.
The 2-year-old girl was struck in the head, according to police. She was taken to Temple University Hospital, where she later died.
Police believe one of the adults inside the house was aware of the presence of the firearm.
Sources said the weapon belongs to a grandparent of one of the children in the home and police are investigating whether it is legally owned.
"We need to find out what the status of the weapon is, where exactly the weapon was and all the circumstances behind it," Gripp said.
The shooting is heartbreaking for many people.
"This is not right! That baby is supposed to be here playing, laughing, eating, having fun, living life!," said a woman who didn't want to be identified.
The woman remembers the horrifying moments her neighbor rushed outside, screaming for help and holding a 2-year-old girl after she was shot.
"Lifeless in her hands. Lifeless. Lifeless. Her eyes -- Lifeless," she said.
The woman called 911 and then flagged down a driver passing by who stopped. She asked the complete stranger to take the girl to the hospital, but never got his name.
"Thank you to somebody for stopping to help that baby! Thank you! I was praying to "God help! Help." They stopped, they helped, the woman said.
"I've seen the baby about a month ago -- happy, smiling -- always happy baby," said Sherri Richardson.
Police said as officers were rushing to the scene, they struck another car at 21st Street and Susquehanna Avenue but everyone is OK.
Police are urging gun owners to pick up a free gun lock from the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office.
An investigation is ongoing.
EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the age of the deceased as 1.