Boy, 14, Accidentally Shot, Killed 13-Year-Old Friend: Police

BENSENVILLE, IL — A 14-year-old boy has been charged with shooting and killing his 13-year-old friend at a home in Bensenville Thursday, prosecutors said. The juvenile appeared at a detention hearing Friday morning in DuPage County and was ordered to be released to the custody of his parents on home detention, according to a news release from the DuPage State’s Attorney’s Office.

Authorities responded to the Bensenville home Thursday where they found the 13-year-old boy bleeding from the head, police said. The boy was later pronounced dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the head.

An investigation into the shooting revealed the juvenile and three of his friends were handling various firearms left unlocked inside the residence, according to prosecutors. While handling the guns, the 14-year-old allegedly shot his friend in the head.

The teen was taken into custody early Friday. He has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, a class 3 felony; reckless conduct, a class 4 felony; and reckless discharge of a firearm, a class 4 felony.

“Yesterday afternoon, a 13-year-old boy from Bensenville tragically lost his life when one of his friends allegedly discharged a gun, shooting the boy in the head. This morning, the victim’s friend finds himself accused of discharging the weapon that killed his friend. This heartbreaking turn of events should serve as a reminder to parents to lock up their weapons and keep them out of reach from their children,” said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin. “I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of this young boy who senselessly lost his life yesterday afternoon.”

The teen’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 22.

The case remains under investigation.