Boy to Be Charged in Shooting Death of Friend, 12
A 13-year-old North Hollywood boy who shot and killed his 12-year-old friend Saturday while playing with his father’s handgun will be charged with murder, a Los Angeles County prosecutor said Monday.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Jerry Bowes said he believed the youngster, whose name has not been released, was aware of the danger of his act but “probably did not intend to kill his friend.”
The shooting took place in the older boy’s home while his parents were away, Los Angeles police said. The boys were playing with guns kept in the parents’ bedroom when the older boy loaded a .22-caliber revolver and fired one shot that struck the 12-year-old in the upper body.
Police said the boys were arguing when the shooting occurred. Bowes said there was no evidence that the gun accidentally discharged.
The victim, who also was not identified, was dead when paramedics arrived minutes after the 9:20 p.m. shooting, police said.
The 13-year-old will be arraigned today, Bowes said. The boy is being held at Sylmar Juvenile Hall.
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