9-Year-Old Boy Shot & Killed In Mattapan; Brother Charged
MATTAPAN (CBS) - A 9-year-old boy was accidentally shot and killed at his home in Mattapan on Friday, police said. The boy's 14-year-old brother is now facing charges in connection with the death.
The victim, a fourth grader at the James W. Hennigan School was shot once in the chest around 11:30 a.m. inside a home at 617 Morton Street.
He was rushed to Boston Medical Center where he died. His name has not been released yet.
Officers say the 14-year-old suspect ran off after the shooting, which they believe was accidental.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports
9-Year-Old Boy Accidentally Shot & Killed In Mattapan
He was taken into police custody a short time later. Police say he had the gun in his possession at the time.
"We believe the boy panicked," Police Commissioner William Evans said. "As soon as we captured him, he was very remorseful for what he did."
On Friday evening, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley announced juvenile charges against the 14-year-old for delinquency, to wit: involuntary manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm.
"Investigators believe the boy was handling the firearm recklessly when it discharged, striking his younger brother," a news release from the District Attorney's office stated. "The evidence at this stage does not suggest that any other person in the juvenile's home knew he possessed the firearm."
The victim's mother, who was believed to be at work at the time, was also interviewed by detectives Friday afternoon. Evans described her as being "extremely distraught."
Officials indicated they were investigating why the boys were not in school and how the gun ended up in the home.
"Part of our investigation in the days to come will be determining how this weapon got into the hands of a 14-year-old," D.A. Conley said in the statement. "In the meantime, I want to make something crystal clear: if you know about an illegal firearm in this city, help us prevent another tragedy like this one. Boston Police are doing a tremendous job of taking guns off the street, but they aren't mind readers. They need tips and information about these weapons before they're used."
The suspect will be arraigned Monday in the Juvenile Session of Dorchester Municipal Court. His name is not being released because of his age.
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