Boy, 11, faces competency exam in 3-year-old's death
DETROIT - A Detroit judge ordered a mental competency exam Monday for an 11-year-old boy charged in the fatal shooting of a 3-year-old boy and urged the public to lock up their guns, saying they're a "magnet" for curious children.
"This has happened before," Judge Frank Szymanski said. "I pray it won't happen again."
The 11-year-old is charged as a juvenile with manslaughter without malice, as well as using a firearm during a felony.
During the brief procedural hearing Monday, the boy's attorney requested the competency exam to determine whether the boy has the ability to understand the manslaughter charge filed against him, reports CBS Detroit. The attorney also reportedly requested an independent psychological examination.
Both requests were granted by the judge.
Police said the 11-year-old took a handgun from a closet at his father's home on August 3 and tossed it out of a window. Police said he subsequently retrieved the gun and fired it, striking 3-year-old Elijah Walker in the face.
Both the Associated Press and CBS News do not typically name minors charged with crimes.
The 11-year-old was mostly silent during the hearing Monday. With TV cameras in the courtroom, Szymanski said it was appropriate to remind the public to keep guns out of the reach of children.
"Kids find guns. It's their nature," he said. "A gun can be a magnet to kids."
Outside court, the 11-year-old's mother cried as she told reporters the family was sorry for what happened.
"It was an accident," she said.
The boy, who is free on bond, will return to court on Sept. 9.