DETROIT – An 11-year-old Detroit boy has been charged with manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a 3-year-old.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said the 11-year-old got a handgun from a bedroom closet while he was visiting his father's home on Eastwood Avenue on Monday and threw it out the window into the back yard.
He then got the gun and took it to a parked car that was in the back yard, Worthy said.
The 3-year-old, identified by family members as Elijah Walker, got into the car with the 11-year-old and at some point was shot in the face.
The 11-year-old is facing charge of manslaughter -- death by weapon aimed with intent but without malice and a charge of felony firearm. His preliminary hearing was Wednesday in the Juvenile Detention Center.
"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," Worthy said in a statement. "The charged respondent here will remain in the Juvenile system, but the case remains under investigation. As a result of that, I will not say more at this time."
Sources tell Local 4 there have been reports of gunfire at or around the family's home over the last several weeks and that the 11-year-old boy has had other run-ins with police pertaining to a gun. However, sources say, police never found a gun.
Counseling has been ordered for the boy. Trial proceedings could get underway as soon as Monday.