Crime & Safety
Boy, 11, Charged with Manslaughter in 3-Year-Old's Death
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said she can't recall her office ever charging someone so young in a homicide.
Elijah Walker, 3, was fatally shot, allegedly by an 11-year-old, while visiting his mother earlier this week. (Photo via GoFundMe)
Wayne County authorities have charged an 11-year-old boy with manslaughter after he allegedly fatally shot a 3-year-old while playing in a yard in a Detroit neighborhood Monday.
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In a statement, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy alleged the 11-year-old was visiting his father’s home in the 16000 block of Eastwood, took a handgun from his dad’s bedroom closet, then threw it out the bedroom window into the back yard.
“He then retrieved the gun and entered a vehicle parked in the father’s backyard,” the statement said. “The 3-year-old entered the same parked vehicle and a short time later was shot once in the face by the juvenile respondent.”
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The manslaughter charge reflects intent, but not malice. The boy’s father reportedly showed him the gun prior to the fatal encounter.
Three-year-old Elijah Walker, of Taylor, was visiting his mother when he was fatally shot, The Detroit News reported.
Worthy said she can’t recall a time when her office has charged someone so young with taking a life.
“Very unfortunately and very tragically, the alleged facts in this case demanded it,” she said. “The charged respondent here will remain in the juvenile system, but the case remains under investigation. As a result of that, I will not say more at this time.”
A preliminary hearing was scheduled Wednesday afternoon.
The victim’s family has established a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses. They described Elijah as “always on the go with his incredible amount of energy,” and said he “never failed to give anyone his million dollar smile.”
“His bright smile, contagious laughter, and sweet personality will forever be missed,” his family wrote. “He was and will always be loved by his entire family and we are extremely devastated by this tragic loss.”
About $1,110 had been raised by early afternoon Wednesday.
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