A 6-year-old boy from Toms River, New Jersey has incurred fatal wounds after being shot by his 4-year-old neighbor and friend. The pair were playing outside on Monday when the toddler brought out his father's .22-caliber weapon and shot Brandon Holt. Holt was sitting in an ATV near his home at the time of the accidental shooting, Asbury Park Press writes.
He was pronounced dead at 5 p.m. on Tuesday at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, Police Chief Michael Mastronardy informs. “Unfortunately, it's a tragic accident. [...] Right now, what we want to concentrate (on) is working with the family and helping them through this difficult time,” he says.
Neighbor Danella Magiera, 20, who spoke to the victim's aunt, reveals that he was shot in the head by his
playmate. “They were playing guns and they were outside. [...] I guess he knew where his dad’s guns were and he shot 6-year-old Brandon in the side of his head right by his eye,” she describes.
Officials at the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office are currently investigating the incident. So far, no charges have been made and it is not clear whether the gun has discharged by accident or the 4-year-old has fired it.
An inquiry into how the child gained access to the weapon is underway.
“It is a criminal offense, punishable by a fine and imprisonment, for an adult to leave a loaded firearm within easy access to a minor,” New Jersey state gun regulations read.
Meanwhile, the entire community is grieving the loss of the grade school student and trying to support his family throughout their ordeal.
“The children need it for closure. [...] We want to let them know we are a neighborhood and let them know that they and Brandon will not be forgotten. And we ask that everyone pray for both families,” neighbor Diane Mlenak expresses.
“We’re stunned. [...] This never should have happened. It never should have been,” Barbara Pistone adds.
