9-year-old boy killed in accidental Durham shooting

DURHAM (WTVD) -- Police in Durham are investigating after a boy was found shot to death inside a house Monday night.

It happened around 9:40 pm. in the 400 block of Macon Street.

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When officers arrived at the scene, they found the body of a 9-year-old boy. His name is not being released at this time.

Police said a preliminary investigation shows the shooting was accidental. They did not release additional information.

Neighbors said the boy and his siblings were familiar faces in the area.

"They'd be wrestling, playing basketball, know what I'm saying? He was a normal kid! It's sad, really," said Quintarius Justice.

Justice said he spoke with the boy on Monday.

"The kid's dead, the mother wasn't there. Thought the gun was a toy, I guess," he said.

Justice said the boy was alone in the home at the time with an older brother and sister. He overheard what one sibling told officers.

"They were chasing each other with it. Then they were struggling with it. He accidentally pulled the trigger. He was like 'Mom, go get mom,'" said justice.

Justice said when one of the siblings ran to an older friend's home, that friend came back and saw the fatally wounded boy on the floor inside the home.

Justice offered that he's disappointed with the mother - who returned home after the accidental shooting.

"To even be able to get the weapon and play with it like that, that's crazy! You know what I'm saying? I got four kids myself. That's crazy," he said.

Durham Police Chief Jose L. Lopez Sr. said in a statement Tuesday that the department "is deeply saddened by the loss of such a young life."

"Responsible gun ownership is an obligation our department has continually stressed in both community workshops and informational campaigns over the years," he continued.

Lopez said guns must be secured and safely kept away from children. Free gun locks are available from Durham County Gun Safety Team at the Durham County Health Department.