An 11-year-old boy from Lake City, Florida, was arrested on manslaughter charges after police say he shot and killed his 14-year-old friend then put a knife in his hand to make it look as killing in self-defense.
the boy was arrested Wednesday without incident at a residence in Gilchrist County and is in juvenile detention in Gainesville.
14-year-old Jadon Vaughn was visiting the Lake City home of the younger boy and his brother Wednesday. Their parents went out for the evening and left the boys alone. Investigators say the boys wrestled, and the 11-year-old eventually retrieved a pistol from his parents’ room. The boy removed the magazine but left a single round chambered. Officials say the gun discharged when the boy pointed it at Vaughn.
Detectives say the boy and his 13-year-old brother initially claimed Vaughn had threatened them with a knife but later admitted that they placed a knife next to Vaughn’s body.
“I don’t want to have lost this young life in vain,” said Christopher Hall, the victim’s uncle
Hall is praying not only for comfort in his nephew’s killing but for justice.
“What I pray for is they get what they deserve, and only God knows what they deserve,” said Hall.
Family and friends attended Jadon Vaughn’s funeral Wednesday in Lake City. The day after Christmas. a candle vigil was held to honor him.
