WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
A 12-year-old Western Michigan boy has been charged with careless discharge of a firearm causing death in the accidental shooting of a 28-year-old family friend.
The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that the misdemeanor charge was authorized by a court referee.
The boy is charged in juvenile court and currently lives with his grandfather. An Oct. 9 pretrial hearing is scheduled.
Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting says penalties could range from fines and costs to placement in a juvenile facility.
Police have described the boy as mentally impaired. The grandfather has said his grandson removed a shotgun from a safe May 22 after finding the key.
The shotgun discharged and sent pellets through a wall, striking Deborah Christner as she slept.
The grandfather has said Christner was two months pregnant. (AP)
