13-Year-Old Charged In 5-Year-Old Brother's Shooting Death

Pittsburgh PA

15 December, 2021

12:03 PM

Description

PENN HILLS, PA — A 13-year-old teen was charged with homicide in connection with the shooting death last month of his 5-year-old brother. The teen, who was not identified, also was charged with possession of a firearm by a minor. Allegheny County Police and Penn Hills Police investigated the Nov. 22 death of Connor Wolfe, whom police initially was killed by his 6-year-old brother. County police also said charges are likely against at least one of the victim's parents for having an unsecured weapon. "I think we need to address gun safety," county police Inspector Michael Peairs told reporters at a briefing Wednesday. "And I think what needs to be addressed is that if you have firearms and small children in your home, those firearms should be locked or kept secure." The teen was charged as an adult, although Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala's office said the case will be moved to juvenile court. "What happened in Penn Hills was an intentional act that resulted in the tragic death of a 5-year-old," Zappala said in a release. "The 13-year-old was charged as an adult because Pennsylvania law does not permit a charge of criminal homicide to be filed directly in juvenile court. He was arraigned by video late last night while still at county police headquarters and immediately taken to a juvenile housing facility. It is our intention to transfer this case to juvenile court forthwith and allow a judge to decide what is the best course of supervision and treatment for this child." Be the first to know what's happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you'll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe.