Crime & Safety
Boy, 14, Dies Playing With Gun In Burien
The victim and his 16-year-old friend were apparently playing with a gun on Tuesday night.
BURIEN, WA - A 14-year-old boy was shot and killed Tuesday night after he and a friend were handling a gun. The teen died from a gunshot wound to the head, which his 16-year-old friend caused while "recklessly" handling the gun, according to the King County Sheriff's Office.
The 14-year-old was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where he later died. The sheriff's office is still determining whether to charge the 16-year-old. The incident happened inside a home along 12th Avenue South.
The 16-year-old was booked into the youth jail on a manslaughter charge.
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The shooting comes amid changes to gun laws in several Puget Sound cities. Edmonds and Seattle have passed new laws mandating that guns be kept locked up - or the owner will face a steep fine. The Bellevue-based Second Amendment Foundation is suing both cities to overturn those laws. Kirkland is also considering a new gun safety ordinance.
An estimated eight children are killed or injured by a gun each day in the U.S., according to the group End Family Fire.
Find out what's happening in Across Washingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Shooting 12600 BLK 12 AVE S in Burien. Initial reports indicate accidental shooting involving a 16 year old and 14 year old victim. The victim, 14 being transported by King County Medics to HMC in critical condition. Major Crimes Detectives responding for further investigation.
— KingcosoPIO (@kingcosoPIO) August 15, 2018
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