
13-year-old boy murders 10-year-old friend with crossbow.
Oklahoma authorities have recently arrested and charged a 13-year-old boy with first-degree murder after he killed his friend with a hunting crossbow. The authorities declared that the boy would stand before the court as an adult.
Boy Brought Crossbow to Treehouse Session
According to the court documents, Austin Almanza, a 10-year-old Oklahoma resident and his 8-year-old brother set out to build a treehouse in an area near the boy’s home. They were also accompanied by their 13-year-old who, for some reason, brought along a hunting crossbow.
The three of them were working for some time on the treehouse when the two brothers told the 13-year-old that they must go home. Allegedly, when Austin told his friend that they’re expected home, the boy threw a fit and became violent.
According to the 8-year-old, without any warning, the 13-year-old drew out his hunting crossbow and shot his brother at a close distance. The blow was so powerful that the crossbow’s bolt exited Austin’s body and pierced his brother’s arm.
Apparently, the event’s aftermath was witnessed by the brothers’ uncle who came rushing. According to the man’s affidavit, when confronted, the boy simply answered that he believes he killed Austin and ran off crying to his house.
The authorities were shortly notified, and the 13-year-old arrested. During his police interview, the boy said that it was never his intention to kill Austin and that the weapon went off by accident.
However, the authorities were not swayed by the 13-year-old’s deposition and decided that he should answer for his deed as an adult. For the time being, the boy is charged with first-degree murder, and a judge posted a bail of $130,000.
Conclusion
The boy’s identity is not to be disclosed for the moment since the possibility of being trialed as a juvenile remains on the table. The boy’s hearing was set for Thursday.
Image source: Wikipedia