Photo: Ilja Enger-Tsizikov / iStock / Getty Images
St. Petersburg, FL - A 14-year-old in Florida has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder after allegedly shooting a 13-year-old friend who was recording him on a cellphone.
The incident occurred just after 11 p.m. on Saturday in St. Petersburg.
According to police, the two teens were sitting inside a vehicle when the older teen allegedly pointed a gun at the younger one and fired.
The 13-year-old was hit in the chest and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Authorities say the 14-year-old initially claimed the shooting happened during a drive-by.
However, after investigators reviewed a video on the victim’s cellphone, the story changed.
The footage reportedly shows the suspect holding the gun and pulling the trigger.
Following the discovery of the video evidence, the teen was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder.
Law enforcement officials noted that the suspect has a history of prior arrests, including auto theft and vehicle burglaries.
Police are working to determine how the teen got access to the firearm, which they suspect may have been stolen.
The case underscores a growing concern among officials over unsecured guns falling into the hands of juveniles.
Assistant Chief Mike Kovacsev of the St. Petersburg Police Department called the incident a devastating tragedy, pointing to the ripple effects felt by both families involved, one losing a child, and the other facing the reality of incarceration.
The investigation remains ongoing.