Boy, 12, arrested in shooting that killed friend
NORTH TEXAS -- Police have arrested a 12-year-old boy in the death of a 13-year-old who was found dead at his home last month -- with a pistol nearby, reports CBS Dallas-Fort Worth.
At first, there reportedly were indicators Matthew Cisneros' death may have been a suicide, but police kept investigating. Last week, they arrested a 12-year-old friend and charged him with manslaughter, according to the station.
The name of the 12-year-old suspect can't be released because he is a minor. He is reportedly held at the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center, according to CBS DFW.
A Garland Police Department spokesperson told reporters what the investigation revealed.
"They were playing with a gun and [the 12-year-old] had it in his hand at the time. When it went off, it shot Matthew," said Public Information Officer Joe Harn.
Police say the 12-year-old has been forthcoming and admitted he ran away because he was afraid, the station reported. Investigators believe the shooting was accidental, but are still warning parents to make sure weapons in their homes are secured.
Texas gun owners are required by law to keep their their weapons secured -- if there is any possibility that a child could gain access to them.
"We have seen and put out weapons to see what kids will do, and tell them to leave them alone. If it's especially little boys, they don't leave them alone," Harn said.
Garland police say they are still investigating how the two boys got access to the pistol.