A 12-year-old boy, charged with manslaughter for accidentally shooting his cousin, will not be prosecuted as a judge found it unjust to blame him for an adult's improper gun storage. The shooting left the boy with PTSD and suicidal thoughts. The incident occurred when he and his cousin found a shotgun and it discharged unintentionally. The case prompted broader questions about accountability in accidental shootings involving minors and adult firearms. The boy's lawyer argued against prosecution due to the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"This court believes that it is manifestly unjust where the tragic events of this situation commenced with the incredibly irresponsible lapse in judgment by an adult that the only person who should take the fall is the 12-year-old."
"I shot my cousin by accident," he said, according to court papers.
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