Teen charged in connection to 4-year-old sister's shooting death inside home
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A 4-year-old girl is dead after a gun went off while she was playing with her 6-year-old brother. Her 16-year-old brother is now charged in connection with her death.
Police say the shooting happened near 53rd and Center Saturday morning, Oct. 24.
Four-year-old Jurnee Walker died at the scene.
The teenager is charged with neglecting a child resulting in death and possession of a dangerous weapon.
In juvenile court Monday, Oct. 26, the defense argued he should be released to his family, stating he was a good student and had never been in trouble before.
Prosecutors raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including allegations the gun had been played with as a toy before. Police say they found a second unsecured gun inside the home as well.
In court, the children's mother made a plea for her son to come home.
“I need my son to come home. I need him with me. I need him to grieve with me,” the mom of the victim and defendant said in court Monday.
“We are looking at how he got his hands on the gun,” said Milwaukee Police Chief Assistant Chief Paul Lough. “I think the message is safe storage and handling of firearms for everybody.”
The teenager is expected back in court on Friday, Oct. 30, for a plea hearing.