Harris County boy shot to death by brother handling shotgun on Timber Creek Place: sheriff

HOUSTON - An 8-year-old boy was shot to death by his 10-year-old brother who was handling or playing with a shotgun at an apartment in west Harris County, the sheriff’s office says.

Officials say the shooting occurred Monday at the Bear Creek Crossing Apartments in the 5500 block of Timber Creek Place.

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Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says the 10-year-old boy was playing with or handling the shotgun in the bedroom when it discharged and struck his younger brother. The boy died at the scene.

The sheriff says a 13-year-old brother was also in the apartment, and all three are believed to have been home alone at the time. He says the children were not currently attending school, and authorities were told the parents were working at the time.

Sheriff Gonzalez called the situation "tragic" and says the investigation into what happened is ongoing.

The sheriff encouraged gun owners to follow safe storage practices.