Alabama 16-year-old charged with killing younger brother; police say they were playing with gun

Published 10:36 am Friday, April 10, 2020

The fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy has been ruled a homicide and authorities have charged the victim’s 16-year-old brother with manslaughter.

Sean Rose, 12, was fatally shot March 30. Bessemer Police Lt. Christian Clemons previously said investigators believed Rose and his 16-year-old brother were playing with a gun when it discharged in the teen’s hand, shooting the boy in the head.

On Thursday, Clemons said evidence determined the brother was recklessly handling the gun in the direction of Rose, AL.com reported. The teen was later charged with manslaughter.

Clemons said officers were also investigating whether a recent fire was connected to the shooting.

On April 2, officers were sent to the same home as the shooting and found an inoperable car on fire parked at the residence. Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and an accelerant was applied to the home in an attempt to set it ablaze.

A 17-year-old friend of the family was seen setting the fire to the car and house, Clemons said. That teen was charged with first-degree arson and first-degree criminal mischief.

It’s also unclear whether either of the teens have attorneys who could comment on their behalf.