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Tuesday, July 01, 2008, 12:01 PM
Fatal shooting was accident By Gina Childress | Daily Times Staff Writer Wilson Police have ruled the shooting death of 13-year-old Devonta Carpenter accidental. Monday afternoon, Sgt. Steve Stroud released a statement saying, "After conducting an investigation and conferring with the N.C. Office of the Medical Examiner, the Wilson Police Department has determined that this incident was an accidental shooting. The shooting occurred as a result of the victim mishandling a firearm." The shooting occurred at 1106 Churchill Ave., where Carpenter's grandmother lives, at 4:49 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Police ere called to investigate a person being shot. When they arrived they found Carpenter suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Carpenter, who was a student at Daniels School, was pronounced dead at Wilson Medical Center Saturday evening from his injuries. "The gun was hidden on the top shelf in a closet," Stroud said. "Obviously the child went looking for the gun and then the incident happened." Stroud said the gun belonged to a family member who lives at the Churchill Avenue residence, but declined to release the name. Since the Carpenter's death did not result from natural causes, investigators will be meeting with the Wilson County District Attorney's Office to determine whether criminal charges will be filed in this matter. The Department of Social Services is conducting their own investigation as well. Stroud said he strongly recommends that anyone who owns a firearm, follow the proper security procedures to prevent accidents like these from happening. "We have gun locks through the police department that we can issue free of charge," Stroud said. "All people have to do is come down and ask for one." Carpenter lived at 905 Jordan Street with his mother, Francine Barnes. Too distraught to talk about her son, Barnes asked that she be left alone to grieve. The funeral arrangements are being handled by Hamilton Funeral Home. Arrangements are still being planned at this time. gina@wilsontimes.com | 265-7821
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