Crime & Safety
Boy Shot In Face Dies, Suspect In Custody: Police
A boy from Dumfries died after he was shot in the face last week. Now, police have charged another teen in connection with the death.
WOODBRIDGE, VA — A 15-year-old boy who was shot in the face in Dumfries last week died on Wednesday, according to the Prince William County Police Department. On Friday, authorities arrested a 17-year-old from Fairfax and charged him with involuntary manslaughter.
Originally, the 17-year-old was arrested at the scene of the shooting and charged with one count of reckless handling of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and one count of possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
After the victim's death, authorities obtained additional charges, and the 17-year-old suspect was arrested in Manassas on Friday, the police department announced.
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Officer originally learned of the shooting just before 2 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12. The shooting occurred at a home in the 2800 block of Banks Court in Dumfries, according to authorities.
Through their investigation, officers determined that the 17-year-old was handling a gun in the home when it discharged. The fired round struck the 15-year-old victim in the face, police said.
The police were immediately contacted, and officers provided first aid until rescue personnel arrived. The victim succumbed to his injuries less than a week later, according to police.
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The two teens knew each other, police said. The 17-year-old was arrested at the scene without further incident, and the gun was recovered from the scene. However, after the initial arrest and before the death of the victim, the 17-year-old was released.
Read more: 'Life-Threatening' Injuries For Teen Shot In Dumfries: Police
"Following the death, and in consultation with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, an additional charge was obtained for the juvenile suspect," the Prince William County Police Department said.
Originally, authorities were unable to locate the suspect and asked for help from the public. In an update on Friday afternoon, authorities said the boy was taken into custody in Manassas without further incident.
Anyone with more information about this incident or others can contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703-792-7000.
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