6-year-old shot dead by 9-year-old playing with loaded gun

A 6-year-old boy was fatally shot in the head by a 9-year-old in Florida after the older child somehow got hold of a loaded gun and fired off a shot, authorities said.

The tragedy took place shortly before 3 p.m. in Jacksonville on Monday when deputies received a call to the 5500 block of Shady Pine Street South regarding a person shot, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Responding deputies found two children at the home under the supervision of an adult, assistant Chief J.D. Stronko said during a press briefing.

“One of the juveniles was able to obtain a firearm and fired a single shot, striking the victim,” Stronko said.

The 6-year-old victim was rushed to the University of Florida Shands Hospital, where he died from a gunshot wound to the head. 

Detectives were trying to determine how the 9-year-old was able to access the loaded gun. It was not immediately known whether the firearm was kept under lock and key at the house.

The adult who was present at the home during the shooting was taken to a local police station and interviewed by detectives, Stronko said. That person has not been publicly identified.  

“There is no indication of criminal violence related to this incident, and there are no outstanding suspects,” the assistant chief added.

The sheriff’s office has declined to disclose the relationship between the adult and the children, citing Florida’s victim privacy protections, known as Marsy’s Law.

As of Tuesday afternoon, no charges have been announced in the 6-year-old’s death.