11-Year-Old Detroit Boy Charged With Manslaughter In 3-Year-Old's Shooting Death
DETROIT (WWJ) - Police called it an accidental shooting, but an 11-year-old boy has now been charged in the death of a 3-year-old in Detroit.
It happened Monday afternoon, outside a home in the 16000 block of Eastwood St., near Kelly Rd., on the city's east side.
According to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, the older boy was visiting his father's house when he found a gun in a bedroom closet. He tossed it out of the bedroom window, Worthy said, retrieved it outside and took it into a parked vehicle where the toddler joined him.
A short time later, Worthy said, the 11-year-old shot the 3-year-old in the face. He was pronounced dead on arrival at St. John Hospital.
Police on the scene told reporters the boys had been "playing with" the gun. Exactly who was supposed to be watching the boys remains unclear.
"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," Worthy said, in a statement. "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 accused juvenile, whose name has not been released, is charged with manslaughter – death by weapon aimed with intent but without malice, as well as felony firearm.
Bond was set at $5,000 at an arraignment on Wednesday at the Juvenile Detention Center. The boy's attorney asked for a competency hearing and a pre-trial hearing was scheduled for Monday, Aug. 10.
On a gofundme page requesting donations for funeral expenses, the family says the victim was "always on the go with his incredible amount of energy and never failed to give anyone his million dollar smile," adding that "His bright smile, contagious laughter, and sweet personality will forever be missed."
