13-Year-Old Charged In Norristown Killing

NORRISTOWN, PA — A 13-year-old child has been charged with third degree murder in the killing of another teen in Norristown while investigators said he was playing with a firearm.

The incident occurred on Sept. 22 on the 800 block of Arch Street at 10:28 a.m.

Daniel Hawkins-Boyce, 13, found a handgun behind a trash can and then began playing with it, the DA’s office said.

The gun went off and hit William Boyd, 16, in the head, according to police.

First responders found Boyd dead on the first floor of the home when they arrived.

The weapon found by Hawkins-Boyce was a Ruger .380 handgun stolen from Philadelphia on June 3, police said. It's not clear how it got to Norristown.

The DA's office said the "totality of evidence" showed that Hawkins-Boyce "recklessly fired" the gun.

“Despite the child’s age, Pennsylvania law requires us to charge the defendant in adult court, but we anticipate that the Court will review whether or not the case will remain in adult or move to juvenile court," DA Kevin Steele said in a statement.

Bail for the 13-year-old was set at 10 percent of $200,000, which he did not post. He was booked at the Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Center.

A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 14.