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Child shot, killed by older brother; death ruled homicide

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner has ruled the death of a 6-year-old boy, shot by his 10-year-old brother a homicide.  

Investigators got a call for a shooting at 9:45 a.m. Aug. 10, at a mobile home in the New Colony community on Dover Lane in West Mifflin.

Police said they found Julian Hoffman suffering from a gunshot to his head.  Hoffman was taken to a hospital where he later died.  Investigators said Hoffman’s 10-year-old brother shot him.

Investigators tell Channel 11 the gun that was used was a 9 mm.  Investigators said the two boys were home alone, with the 10-year-old was babysitting the 6-year-old.  

WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — TRENDING NOW:

Investigators said after shooting his younger brother, the 10-year-old called his mother first and she told him to hang up and call 911, which he did.  Police believe this was an accident.

Police have not ruled out charges against the children's mother, who they say was at work at the time of the shooting.

Police said once they gather all the facts they will meet with the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office to determine if criminal charges will be filed.  Police are still trying to determine how the shooting happened, but investigators said it happened in their mother's bedroom.

Neighbors told Channel 11 the family had only been living there for a few months. They said they heard what sounded like gunshots, then saw ambulances outside of the mobile home.

"He (a paramedic) had the child in his arms," neighbor Dean Rump said. "He set the child down on the gurney. They put a blanket on him and then put him in the ambulance. ... I just said, 'Please God, help the family."

Investigators say the scene inside the mobile home brought tears to the eyes of veteran police officers.

Julian was just weeks away from starting first grade at Emerson Elementary School. West Mifflin Area School District superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna issued the following statement to staff:

This morning we received terrible news over a tragic incident involving a local family (news story attached).  An Emerson student entering first grade this month passed away from injuries sustained from a close range gun shot.  
 
First and foremost...Our deepest sympathy and condolences extend to this family during this extremely difficult time.  We will all respect their privacy and work as a staff to meet the needs of the students that may be impacted by this.
 
Our crisis response team will be in place tomorrow morning at 8:00 am at Emerson Elementary in case any family needs resources to deal with this loss.  Our team will remain in place Friday as well and then assess what may be needed to begin the year.  
 
All too often we have been faced with unconscionable violence...all too often we have had to unite to heal...but again...we will...and the true resolve and fortitude of this community will carry us through.   
 

Cox Media Group

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