Teen Accidentally Kills Brother With Gun in Second Orlando Shooting By A Minor [VIDEO]

A teen accidentally killed his younger brother Friday afternoon in a case of mistaken identity Orlando police said.

The incident occurred inside a home on Portofino Drive in Lake Nona's gated subdivision off Narcoosee Road.

"A 16-year-old and 12-year-old were home and there was a firearm in the house, and the 16-year-old feared that the place was being broken into. He fired a shot and it killed his brother," said Orlando homicide detective Mike Moreschi.

Investigators said the 16-year-old teen will not face any charges. However the investigation continues to determine the facts.

Moreschi added this is one of the toughest cases he worked on, "He is devastated, obviously. His parents are devastated." He did not release any information about how the teen acquired the gun.

"He heard some noises and called out for his brother and he didn't answer, and then his brother startled him," said Moreschi.

After the 16-year-old realized what happened, he called 911. The 12-year-old boy was quickly taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital, but was unable to be revived and was pronounced dead from the gunshot wound.

"It's a very safe neighborhood," said neighbor Julia Bracy. "It's scary to think that this happened and I feel so awful for the parents. I really do, my heart goes out to them. I just can't imagine what they are going through."

"Everybody in Central Florida is on spring break. Kids are home alone, just like these kids," warned Detective Moreschi. "Everybody needs to secure their firearms and make sure that they are tucked away."

"Detectives will be meeting at a later date with the State Attorney's Office to discuss the case and decide if there is any negligence," said Orlando Police Department spokesman Sgt. Jim Young. "The family is fully cooperating with the investigation; however, they are requesting privacy."

Failure to properly secure a firearm is a second degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days behind bars.

Unfortunately, such tragic shooting by a minor occurred the second time this week. Earlier on Wednesday, a four-year-old by in Pine Hills, shot himself in the head in the condominium after he found a loaded gun. He is still in critical condition.

Tags
world news
Join the Discussion

Latest Photo Gallery

Real Time Analytics