Funeral services held for 9-year-old Christian Pittman killed in accidental shooting

DURHAM (WTVD) -- A Durham community said goodbye to a 9-year-old boy killed in a tragic accident.

Funeral services were held Monday for Christian Pittman at Liberty Baptist Church in Durham, where Pittman faithfully attended service with his grandfather every Sunday.

About 200 to 300 mourners came to pay their respects to the 9 year old killed in an accidental shooting last week.

Police say Pittman and his 12-year-old brother were playing with a loaded gun when it went off.

A community effort made the funeral possible after friends, neighbors and complete strangers supported a charity ride over the weekend to help pay for the little boy's burial.

A generous ABC11 viewer touched by the story also called the church and made a significant contribution, and after attending Pittman's funeral, it was easy to understand why.

"I had the privilege of teaching him...great kid...always wanted a hug and we were there to give it to him," said Cheryl Mayton, Pittman's Sunday school teacher.

So far there are no criminal charges in connection with Pittman's death.

Durham police say they are still trying to locate the owner of the gun.