Boy, 11, charged in fatal shooting of 3-year-old in Detroit

A boy has been charged with the manslaughter of a three year old in a shooting death in Detroit.

Worthy said the boy facing charges will remain in the juvenile system and the case remains under investigation. He later retrieved the gun and climbed into a auto parked in the yard.

The older boy allegedly shot the three-year-old boy in the face on Monday, and he was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital.

Children playing with guns.

Worthy said she can’t recall a time when her office has 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. “It’s tragic”.

“His bright smile, contagious laughter, and sweet personality will forever be missed”, his family wrote.

The 11-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter – death by weapon aimed with intent but without malice and felony firearm according to Detroit Free Press.

Time further reports, “It’s here that the facts become murky: 3-year-old Elijah arrived some time later and entered the auto where the 11-year-old was in and was shot in the face”.

The boy, who has not been identified because of his age, attending a pre-trial hearing Wednesday with his mother, father and attorney Anthony Walker.

Police had called it an accidental shooting. “They were playing inside a auto in their backyard when the shot was fired”, Detroit police Assistant Chief Steve Dolunt said Tuesday, the Detroit News reported.