10-Year-Old Shoots Sister, Kills Himself

A 10-year-old boy shot his 15-year-old sister multiple times before turning the gun on himself, the Huffington Post reports.

Coby and Ashley Tucker were rushed by Life Flight to Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston, where the former was pronounced dead on arrival. His sister underwent surgery for multiple gunshot wounds and was reported to be in critical but stable condition.

Deputies have yet to determine a motive for the shooting.

“The 10-year-old gained access to a handgun, he walked into the 15-year-old’s room and discharged the weapon multiple times in the direction of his sister,” Det. Gregory Williams said.

So far, officials won’t say if the children’s parents will face charges. Deputies had not been called to the home prior to the shooting, and Walker County Sheriff Clint McRae said there was no reason for them to believe the parents were negligent.

“The firearm was in a secure safe, but the boy was somehow able to gain access. This is a terrible tragedy that happened and our thoughts are with the family,” McRae said.

The sheriff’s office said the shooting occurred around 9 pm on Thursday, October 11. The children’s mother, Maura Tucker, was home at the time but did not witness her son shooting her daughter. She said she heard multiple gunshots and called 911 after she saw what happened.

Coby Tucker was a student at Huntsville Intermediate, and Ashley Tucker is a sophomore at Huntsville High School.

The Huntsville Independent School District released a statement regarding the shooting Friday:

“Upon learning of this tragedy, the district’s immediate response was to ensure that our counseling staff at both of the campuses were prepared and available to provide any support necessary to our students and staff members today. Huntsville ISD has already made preparations for extra counselors and professionals to be available at all campuses on Monday should the need arise.”