PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – A 13-year-old Florida boy killed his 6-year-old brother and wounded an older sibling following a food disagreement — then committed suicide with the same gun, authorities said.
“This is a nightmare when you hear about the ages of these boys,” said Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco. “A 6-year-old that was probably playing in his room, an argument over food, and he lost his life.”
The incident took place Wednesday at a mobile home park in Hudson that the shooter shared with three brothers and his mom.
The oldest brother, 18, wasn’t at home, and the mother was at work.
The three remaining boys were at home eating dinner when an argument started over food, the sheriff’s office said. It didn’t say exactly what transpired.
But following the dispute, the 13-year-old got a handgun, killed the 6-year-old and shot the other brother, 16. He then committed suicide.
The injured teen was able to call 911. He is hospitalized with a non-life threatening injury.
The scene of the shooting was so grisly, a crisis intervention team was dispatched for the responding deputies, CNN affiliate WFTS reported.
“This is tough on us as law enforcement, this is tough on a community. And for the friends of these two boys, this is going to be tough tomorrow for them at school,” Sheriff Chris Nocco told the affiliate.
Officials didn’t release any names and said it was unclear whose gun the boy used.
Neighbors told CNN affiliate WFLA they didn’t know the family well.
“I don’t understand it really,” neighbor Stephanie Ridgeway told the station. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
