A 5-year-old is dead and his great-grandfather is facing charges after the child was shot in the head by another child in the home , it was reported .
Karter Rosenboro was at home on Tuesday night in Greenville, North Carolina, when his 6-year-old sibling got ahold of a gun. The young child somehow ended up shooting their brother in the head.
The Pitt County Sheriff's Office told local station WITN that the boy died after he was taken to ECU Health Medical Center. It wasn't clear exactly the extent of the boy's injuries, just that he was shot in the head and died.
Rayfield Ruffin, the boy's great-grandfather, was charged by deputies on Friday, with the authorities accusing the 72-year-old of not having the guns in the home locked down well enough. The official charge was related to not having the firearm properly stored to protect children.
Ruffin reportedly lives at the home where his great-grandson died, though it's not clear whether Karter and his sibling also live there with Ruffin or if they were just visiting.
The 72-year-old was reportedly released after posting a $2,000 unsecured bond. It's not yet clear when he's slated to appear in court to answer for the charges.
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Karter had been a kindergartner at a Pitt County school, it was reported, attending Northwest Elementary School. Crisis response teams were present there last week, WITN reported, though it wasn't specified why they were there — perhaps for hurricane relief after Hurricane Helene led to extensive damage in the state.
The family set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral expenses for Karter, asking for $10,000. By Wednesday night, it had raised around $7,100, just a few thousand under its goal.
"We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Karter River Rosenboro. Our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin tragically lost his life to an accidental shooting. Karter was a happy 5-year-old with a bright smile and loved by so many. The family is going through unimaginable pain and heartbreak," Duchess Ruffin Chance, allegedly a family member, who organized the fundraiser, wrote.
"This unexpected time is a financial strain for our family. We are grateful for any amount given; this money will go towards Karter's memorial. If you are unable to donate, please share. Thank you!" the organizer concluded.
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