NJ Mom Of 4-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot By Brother Pleads Not Guilty

EAST ORANGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The mother of a 4-year-old boy who was accidentally shot to death by his 5-year-old brother in East Orange has pleaded not guilty to weapons and child endangerment charges.

Itiyanah Spruill, 22, sobbed and could barely stand as she faced a judge Tuesday, 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck reported.

She was arrested Saturday after authorities said the older boy was playing with her loaded gun when he accidentally shot his younger brother in the head.

The child was taken to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead.

At her court appearance Tuesday, a public defender asked the judge to allow Spruill to attend her son's funeral, which is set for Friday.

However, the prosecution told the court it would likely be contesting that request.

A grand jury is now taking over the case.