FLORIDA CITY, FLA. (WSVN) - - Police have charged a teen with manslaughter for the fatal shooting of his 13-year-old sister.
According to Miami-Dade Police, 17-year-old Martaevious Santiago faces charges of aggravated manslaughter after he shot his 13-year-old sister, Tedra King, in the head, Tuesday night.
Police said the firearm was provided by a 14-year-old friend, who was also taken into custody for an outstanding delinquency warrant.
Police said Santiago was holding a loaded semi-automatic handgun when his sister gave him a hug and, as she turned around to walk away, Santiago pointed the handgun to the back of King’s head and pulled the trigger, shooting her.
Santiago called 911, but King was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the police report, Santiago repeatedly told officers the shooting was an accident.
“All he said, ‘Daddy, I’m sorry. It was an accident. I’m sorry, Dad.’ Those were the words,” said stepfather Vernon Williams. “Enough is enough. What more is there to say? It’s happening everyday, but you never know who it’s going to happen to. I mean, it happened, and it happened all of a sudden. There’s really no message to say. Everyone knows it’s been time to put the guns down, but who’s listening?”
Santiago was placed under arrest and charged accordingly.
Wednesday afternoon, a juvenile judge decided that Santiago will remain in secure detention until his next court appearance, scheduled for May.
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