Hearings Re-set In Boy's Accidental Shooting Death

DETROIT (AP) - Preliminary examinations have been postponed for two adults charged in the death of a 4-year-old Detroit boy who was accidentally shot by his 4-year-old cousin.

Hearings had been scheduled for Friday for 66-year-old Robert Richardson and 53-year-old Patricia Johnson. They were arrested shortly after the Jan. 16 shooting.

Those hearings were adjourned and now are scheduled for Feb. 14.

A hearing for 55-year-old Harvey Witcher is scheduled for next week.

All three are charged with involuntary manslaughter and weapons offenses. Richardson and Johnson also are charged with child abuse.

Police say a 4-year-old girl was playing with Jamel Witcher Jr. and his 5-year-old sister when the younger girl found a rifle and shot Jamel in the chest.

All three adults live at the home, which belongs to the children's grandfather.