Michigan Boy, 6, Involved in Fatal Shooting of 5-Year-Old Boy After Finding Gun in Grandparents' Bedroom: Cops
Michigan State Police confirmed that the fatal shooting of a 5-year-old boy recently was carried out by a 6-year-old boy.
Troopers from the MSP Hart Post responded to a residence in Garfield Township, in Newaygo County, on April 1 on a report that a child died of an apparent gunshot wound.
Police released few details until they recently confirmed a 5-year-old boy and a 6-year-old boy "found a firearm in the bedroom of their grandparents' home."
The older child was holding the firearm when it discharged, striking and killing the 5-year-old.
Police said the investigation is ongoing, and once complete, it will be forwarded to the Newaygo County prosecutor for review.
Charges could be filed as the incident comes just weeks after a new state law went into effect requiring gun owners to keep firearms locked up in the presence of minors.
- Top News of the Week: Newborn Shot During Suspected Drug Dispute; Deputy Accused of Killing Woman Who Called 911 Call; and More
- Sonya Massey Killing: Newly Released Autopsy Results Detail How ‘Excessive Use of Force’ Led to Mother of Two's 'Senseless' Death
- Sonya Massey Shooting: Details Emerge About Sheriff's Deputy Charged in Deadly Confrontation — 'Should Have Never Had a Badge'
Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.
Consequences for violating the new gun storage law vary depending on the circumstances, including whether anyone was injured or killed.
The first person to be charged under the new law was a Flint man whose 2-year-old daughter wounded herself after accessing his gun.
TMX contributed to this report.
Become a Front Page Detective
Sign up to receive breaking
Front Page Detectives
news and exclusive investigations.