Police: Girl, 10, shot by 9-year-old cousin

Published 9:08 pm Monday, December 4, 2017

VICKSBURG (AP) — Authorities say a 10-year-old girl has been shot by her 9-year-old cousin in Mississippi.

News outlets report Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace says the girl was shot Saturday night. The sheriff’s office says the girl was left with the 9-year-old and his 17-year-old brother, who was tasked with watching the younger children.

Authorities say the boy likely got the gun from his mother’s closet. He was holding the gun when it discharged, hitting the girl in the shoulder. She was taken to a children’s hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

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Pace says it’s too early to tell if the shooting was accidental.

No charges have been filed at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.

The case was turned over to the county youth court, and Child Protective Services was notified.