Alaska Fourth Grader Allegedly Shot And Killed By Another Student

Pilot Station, AK – A 9-year-old boy was allegedly shot and killed by one of his fourth grade classmates after supposedly getting into an argument over who was named the “student of the week” at school. Alaska State Troopers believe that Spencer Polty was shot in the chest by a .17-caliber pellet rifle fired by another 9-year-old on Friday afternoon.

The gun reportedly used by the elementary school student is described as high-powered, the Daily Mail notes. Law enforcement officers believe that the weapon went off while the two boys were arguing.

The victim’s mother, Joyce Polty, had this to say about the tragedy:

“It seemed like a usual day. He wasn’t causing any trouble. He wasn’t teasing like he used to do. He was just jolly.”

The mourning mother also noted that Spencer was outside playing with his cousin when the child suspected of fatally wounding him arrived with the air rifle, the Anchorage Daily News reports. The cousin witnessed the Pilot Station shooting and frantically ran back into the house for help. Spencer Polty was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead soon after arrival.

When asked about what should happen to the fourth grader who allegedly shot and killed her son, the mother said she is unsure. She noted during the newspaper interview that the suspected shooter’s mother apologized to her when they ran into each other at the village store. Polty did state that she feels she has to forgive the boy who is accused of taking the life of her son.

The Alaska village boasts a population of only about 600 and is located on the lower Yukon River. The young suspected shooter’s name has not been released and charges have not yet been filed.