Authorities in Florida said an 11-year-old boy was accidentally shot and killed by his 14-year-old brother with a stolen gun that the teen found in an alley near their home. According to The Associated Press, the fatal incident occurred on Friday, April 26.
The deceased, identified as Amir Williams, was found with a gunshot wound when St. Petersburg police arrived at the family’s home. He unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Authorities said Amir as well as his brother and 13-year-old sister did not go to school on the day of the fatal incident as they had a day off. Their mother was also not at home at the time of the shooting.
The deceased boy’s 14-year-old brother informed police he found the gun in the alley near their home, adding that none of his family members were aware he was in possession of the weapon.
The gun in question was also reported stolen two days before the shooting, per The Associated Press. Police and prosecutors are yet to establish if they would file any criminal charges.
“He was awesome, he was my little man, my shadow, my warrior, and now he’s watching me from above,” Amir’s mother said at a vigil that was held on Monday, FOX 13 News reported.
Family members who attended the vigil also urged children not to go near guns.