Juvenile charged in slaying of 9-year-old

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Police say they’ve charged an 11-year-old with reckless murder in a shooting that killed a 9-year-old boy in Montgomery, Ala.

Authorities said the child also is charged with assault in the shooting, which happened Monday afternoon and wounded a 16-year-old boy.

Police haven’t released the names of anyone involved. They said the suspect is related to the child who was killed but have not disclosed the relationship, nor information related to the gun used in the shooting, other than to indicate it was a handgun.

District Attorney Daryl Bailey told WSFA-TV the juvenile suspect is no stranger to law enforcement. He said the child is being held in the Montgomery County Youth Detention Facility.

Bailey said it’s too soon to know if more arrests are forthcoming. He was clear though, that if any adult was involved in the commission of the shooting, he or she will be held responsible. Police said a “responsible teenager” was on hand, but they wouldn’t elaborate.

The 9-year-old’s death is the third shooting death this year involving a juvenile in Montgomery.

Bailey said 90 percent of the fifth-graders involved in his iLead programs have touched a gun. He said he and other agencies are working to take guns out of teens’ hands. Those who report teenagers with guns in their possession can get a $300 reward — if the firearm is confiscated.

Anyone in Alabama with information about a gun in a teenager’s possession can send a direct message to the District Attorney’s Facebook page or the Central Alabama Crimestoppers Facebook page.