Two Boys Unintentionally Shoot Their Younger Brothers, One Fatally

Amir Williams, an 11-year-old sixth grader, died in his home in St. Petersburg, Florida, after being unintentionally shot by his 14-year-old brother who was playing with a stolen gun he had found. School was out that day, and the two boys were home with their 13-year-old sister when the shooting occurred. Police confirmed that the gun was stolen from an unlocked car before the incident, but it is unclear where they found it. It appears that no one else in the family knew that there was a gun in the home.

The assistant chief of police called Amir’s death a “community tragedy.” His uncle said, “[h]e had so much potential…It’s really, really, sad and it’s so easy for kids to get a gun. It’s a sad day.”

Police continue to investigate and will review the case with the state attorney’s office to see if any charges will be filed.

And in Shreveport, Louisiana, a 6-year-old boy was shot in the face by his 11-year-old brother who was playing with a gun. The boys were alone in an apartment. The six-year-old was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. No other information has been reported as police continue to investigate.

Sources:

Brenton Blanchet, “14-year-old Boy Accidentally Fatally Shoots 11-year-old Brother: ‘He had So Much Potential,’” people.com (April 29, 2024).

“6-year-old Boy in Critical Condition After Accidental Shooting,” ktbs.com (April 27, 2024).