11-Year-Old ‘Accidentally’ Shot Dead By Elder Brother, Investigation Underway

An 11-year-old boy was found dead after he was "accidentally" shot in the chest with a handgun by his 19-year-old brother. The incident took place in Overbrook neighborhood, Philadelphia, on Monday.

Police officers said they arrived at the home in Haddington Lane to find the boy with gunshot injuries. The boys were alone at home at the time and the elder brother rushed to the neighbors for help after calling 911.

The officers said the boy was in a critical condition when they took him to Lankenau Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Police recovered a handgun from the crime scene and took the 19-year-old into custody. The reason behind the shooting was not clear.

Philadelphia Police Department’s acting commissioner, Christine M. Coulter, said, “We’re not looking for anybody else at this point. We believe that he [19-year-old brother] is responsible and as to whether it was intentional or accidental, will be a result of the investigation.”

Local media reported that the 19-year-old confessed to accidentally firing at his younger brother and that he found the gun somewhere but did not mention where he found it. The investigation was underway and no charges were pressed.