Police in Maryland say a 9-year-old boy is responsible for fatally shooting a 15-year-old girl in Baltimore on Saturday night.
City police said officers were called to the 600 block of Linnard Street near Edmondson Avenue for a report of a shooting.
Police on Sunday identified the girl as Nykayia Strawder and said homicide detectives identified a 9-year-old boy as the suspect after speaking with witnesses.
Witnesses told police the boy was playing with a loaded handgun when it accidentally fired, hitting Nykayia in the head. The boy then dropped the gun and fled.
Police said they obtained a search-and-seizure warrant, found the gun and ran the serial number. Officers learned that the weapon is registered to a woman, who is a relative of the boy and is an armed security guard.
In accordance with state law, and due to the age of the boy, he cannot be charged with a crime, police said.
An investigation continues, and police are working with the state’s attorney’s office. Potential charges are pending.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP.
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