Pennsylvania boy, 13, to be tried as an adult for shooting brother, 9, dead while playing with father's guns
WAYNESBORO, PENNSYLVANIA: A 13-year-old boy from Pennsylvania will be tried as an adult after he shot dead his nine-year-old brother in a game of cops and robbers. The teen, identified as Brayden Leroy Wright of Waynesboro, was charged with first-degree criminal homicide and second-degree aggravated assault and was denied bail after his arrest. The tragedy occurred on July 8 when Brayden and his brother were playing together at their home at around 6 am.
Brayden, while speaking to investigators, said that he went to fetch two of the loaded 9mm handguns his father had kept in the living room couch so that he could use it during the game. The 13-year-old added that during the game, he became very angry when his brother "was not complying with his commands." The child told the officers that he then put the gun to the back of his brother's head as he lay on the couch watching videos on YouTube and pulled the trigger.
The child admitted to police that he was aware that there was a round in the pistol's chamber. He "further related he pressed the muzzle of the gun to the back left side of the victim's head and squeezed the trigger. (He) related he did this because the victim was not complying with his commands while playing cops and robbers. He admitted to being angry with the victim for not listening to him," the teen's statement to the police said, according to the Daily Mail.
The bullet reportedly passed through the nine-year-old's skull and he later died. The boy's father, Mark Snyder, opened up about the unsecured and loaded guns kept in the house, saying they were "for home protection." The boys' guardians are reportedly not facing any charges as of July 12.
Brayden reportedly put the gun back on the couch after the shooting and called 911 to report the incident. However, by the time paramedics arrive at the house, the nine-year-old was severely bleeding and went into cardiac rest. He was rushed Waynesboro Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Shortly after the incident, a GoFundMe page was set up to assist the family with their funeral expenses and legal fees along with counseling for the other children in the family, which include the boys' three sisters.
The fund-rising page for the family stated: "This money is being raised for my two nephews. For any expenses for services, grave plot and head stone. The rest will be for legal representation for the 13 yr old."
"Yesterday forever changed all our lives. We not only lost a 9 yr old precious little boy, but we could potentially loose his 13yr old brother. Please no rude comments! My family is going through enough. If you do not agree with what the money is used for then don’t donate. He is still just a child also. We appreciate any help and prayers," the statement on the page added.
The 13-year-old is reportedly set to appear in court on Monday, July 13, for a preliminary hearing.