14-year-old Shot and Killed After Teens Find Unsecured Gun

A 14-year-old was shot and killed after he and two other teens found an unsecured gun in a home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They were playing around with the firearm when it unintentionally fired. The victim died at the scene. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, juvenile possession of a firearm, and shooting inside an occupied dwelling; and a 15-year-old boy was charged with obstructing justice.

The neighborhood, high school and larger community are keeping the victim’s family in their thoughts. The police chief is disturbed that so many teenagers are getting their hands on guns. “…[T]here is right to own firearms. But I would offer, with that right, should come some responsibility and I don’t think that’s always the case.”

Source:

Preston Steger, Sarah Hammond, “2 Teens Arrested After 14-year-old Fatally Shot in Virginia Beach, Police Say,” 13newsnow.com (March 8, 2024).