A 13-year-old boy has been charged with third-degree murder after authorities said he accidentally fired a handgun inside a Norristown home, killing his 16-year-old friend.
Daniel Hawkins-Boyce is accused of fatally shooting William Boyd on Sept. 22 inside a home in the 800 block of Arch Street in Norristown, according to Montgomery County prosecutors. Police were called to the home at about 10:30 a.m. after receiving a report of a shooting.
Officers found Boyd dead on the first floor. An autopsy determined that he died from a single gunshot wound to the head and ruled the manner of death a homicide.
Police say the gun had been reported stolen
Investigators said Hawkins-Boyce had found the handgun near a trash can and was playing with it when it discharged.
The weapon recovered at the scene was identified as a Ruger .380 handgun. Authorities said it had been reported stolen in Philadelphia on June 3, months before the Norristown shooting. Investigators have not publicly explained how the firearm ended up in Norristown.
Prosecutors allege that Hawkins-Boyce was handling the firearm when it was fired and the bullet struck Boyd in the head.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said investigators concluded that the evidence showed the teenager had recklessly fired the weapon. The charges include third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, receiving stolen property, possession of a firearm by a minor and possession of an instrument of crime with intent.
Case initially filed in adult court
Despite Hawkins-Boyce being 13, the case was filed in adult court. Prosecutors said Pennsylvania law requires the charge to be brought there, while also indicating that a court review could determine whether the case ultimately remains in the adult system or moves to juvenile court.
Pennsylvania’s court system provides procedures for juvenile cases to be transferred between juvenile and criminal proceedings in certain circumstances. The state’s courts also maintain a public case-search system for available court records.
Hawkins-Boyce’s bail was set at $200,000, with 10% required for release. He remained in custody after the bail was not posted, according to local reporting.
His next scheduled court proceeding is a preliminary hearing on Oct. 14.
The shooting has left two families dealing with the death of a teenager while the legal case moves forward. The charges against Hawkins-Boyce are allegations at this stage, and the case has not yet gone to trial.
