Sheriff: Teenager who shot 11-year-old brother in face says it was an accident, bought gun illegally



EVERETT, Wash. -- The teenager who shot his 11-year-old brother Sunday admitted to detectives that he bought the gun for self-defense from a friend but refused to say who sold it to him, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office said Monday.

According to the suspect's statements, the 15-year-old accidentally shot his younger brother in the face while he was playing with the gun. Detectives say the teen put a live round in the .38 revolver and started pulling on the trigger.

His brother is now at Harborview Medical Center in serious condition and intensive care, but is expected to live.



Neighbors were shocked to hear about Sunday's shooting that happened just feet from their  front door.

Rachaell Reyes said, "There’s a lot of families out this way. So for us to hear that this happened, especially that close to here, is pretty scary."

Reyes said she has two children close to the same age as the victim. She couldn't imagine the thought of having one of her kids hurt by gunfire.

"That’s my life," Reyes said.  "I would be devastated if that happened. So I can just imagine what’s going on out there with the families and stuff."

The 15-year-old was booked into juvenile detention for investigation of reckless endangerment and illegal gun possession.  He was being held on a $5,000 bail. Prosecutors have not filed charges yet.