Sgt. Steve Stroud with the Wilson Police Department issued a statement that no criminal charges will be filed against the gun owner.
This decision was reached after investigators conferred with the Wilson County District Attorney's Office and the victim's family, and after diligent review of the general statute pertaining to this matter, Stroud said.
The shooting occurred at 1106 Churchill Ave., where Carpenter's grandmother lives, at 4:49 Saturday afternoon. When police 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.
The funeral for Devonta Ruffin Carpenter will be held Saturday afternoon at 1, at Tabernacle of Prayer For All People, 1601 Lane St. Ext. The burial will follow in the Hamilton Burial Garden, Lane Street Ext. A viewing will take place Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton Funeral Home with family receiving friends at 1106 Churchill Ave.
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