A 13-year-old boy from Indiana was charged with murdering another boy after initially reporting his death as a suicide.
On November 10, after midnight, Greenwood Police Department officers responded to a call about an apparent suicide attempt. When officers arrived at the address, they discovered 13-year-old James Davis in critical condition due to a gunshot wound.
The ambulance transported Davis to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, where they pronounced him dead.
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A police investigation revealed that there were six boys present at the time of the shooting, including Davis and his alleged attacker.
At the time, one of the boys’ parents was home but sleeping elsewhere. In the reports, it was unclear who their parents were or whether they owned the gun that fired the shot that killed Davis. WXIN, a local Fox affiliate, reported that they were not currently facing any criminal charges.
Initial investigations revealed that the boys were “playing” with the gun before fleeing the scene following the shooting. The suspect then called 911, reporting that his friend had attempted suicide. WXIN stated that the suspect “pointed a firearm at the victim and shot him.”
The unnamed 13-year-old suspect faces charges of murder and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, both of which would be felonies if prosecuted as an adult.
The Johnson County Juvenile Detention Facility is currently holding him. It is unclear whether he will face adult charges. November 26 is the scheduled date for the suspect’s preliminary juvenile hearing.
Dr. Terry Terhune, the superintendent of Greenwood Schools, told WXIN that some of the boys involved in the shooting attended the local middle school. He stated that counseling and support services would be available for students in the school district.
Following the shooting, schools reopened after a two-hour delay and canceled athletic activities on Monday.
Terhune issued a statement to Greenwood families, saying, “We encourage you to talk to your children about their emotions and any fears they may have.
We must reassure them that they are safe and supported. If your child needs someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to contact our school counselors.”
