Teen mishandles gun, unintentionally kills friend, Alabama police say

An Alabama 15-year-old boy was killed early Sunday after he and four of his friends under investigation, police said Monday.

The shooting death investigation occurred at approximately 7 a.m. when police were called to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital after a juvenile gunshot victim was brought in for care.

The child was pronounced dead by hospital officials, police said.

Four other juveniles, ages 14, 15, 17 and 18 were detained by police. The four were in the van that brought the victim to UAB Hospital.

Police said the victim will be identified after his next of kin is notified.

Police investigators said they discovered a possible location of the shooting and upon searching found a firearm that may be the weapon in some bushes along with blood on the ground at that location.

Investigators said they believe the shooting was caused by the 14-year-old, who had the gun, mishandling it and shooting the victim.

Police said they do not believe the shooting was intentional, but a case of the teen mishandling the gun and causing it to discharge.

The 14-year-old believed to have been holding the gun when it was fired has been detained by police.