An 11-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter after he allegedly shot a three-year-old boy whilst playing with a handgun unsupervised.
The 11-year-old has been charged with causing death by weapon aimed with intent but without malice, and using a firearm during a felony, after he accidentally killed three-year-old Elijah Walker, making him one of the youngest people to be charged in the country.
The boy allegedly sourced a handgun from a wardrobe in his father’s home in Detroit and tossed it out of a window into their backyard. From there, he retrieved the weapon and climbed into a car parked in his yard.
It was then that little Elijah is thought to have entered the scene, climbing into the car alongside the older boy.
It has been thought that the two boys then played with the gun, before it discharged, killing Elijah.
So far, it seems as if the two boys were unsupervised.
The 11-year-old is currently being trialled as a minor.
The County Prosecutor on the case said in a statement, “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,” said Kym Worthy, “The charged respondent here will remain in the Juvenile system, but the case remains under investigation…”
