WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Luzerne County District Attorney has filed charges against the juvenile allegedly involved in a Wilkes-Barre shooting that killed a middle school student.
Based on the investigation Sam Sanguedolce, District Attorney of Luzerne County stated charges have been filed against a juvenile involved in a shooting that killed a 13-year-old in Wilkes-Barre Monday night.
On Monday around 5:00 p.m., multiple police agencies responded to the area of South Welles Street and Midland Court in Wilkes-Barre for a report of a shooting. Wilkes-Barre police stated officers came in contact with several juveniles who were involved in the incident, including a 13-year-old who had been shot in the head.
Sanguedolce emphasized that he could not say much about the investigation into the homicide of the 13-year-old boy. Because the victim and the alleged shooter are juveniles.
“The case involves juveniles so it limits the information we can release to the public,” said D.A. Sanguedolce.
The district attorney also talked about gun safety.
“Number one because the case involves juveniles I think it’s an important message to get out there about gun safety. You know having a loaded gun in your house it’s everyone’s right. If you have kids in the house you have a responsibility also to lock up the guns and the ammunition separate. Don’t leave them lying around the house,” Sanguedolce added.
Sanguedolce brought a gun lock he says can help prevent tragedies.
“Every firearm nowadays comes with these locks. You can lock up your firearm, it’ll cost you nothing more. You should have it if you have a firearm,” Saguedolce continued.
And he says parents must have a talk with their kids about the dangers of guns.
“They obviously are curious at a certain age. They really don’t understand the permanency of the consequences of playing with guns,” stated Sanguedolce.
The D.A. Added that the names of the teens involved will not be released.
“Not only is it that the accused his identity is protected. Our office does not release the identity of the victim in our opinion, this revictimizes the family,” Sanguedolce explained.
Again the D.A. Says the case is closed.
The victim was immediately treated with life-saving measures that were unsuccessful and his death has been ruled a homicide.
Brian Costello, superintendent of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District confirmed that the victim was a student of G.A.R. Middle School.
At this time the Luzerne County Coroner’s Office and the DA’s office are not releasing the name of the victim.
The District Attorney told 28/22 News the family of the victim has been receiving threats. Luzerne County Coroner Jill Matthews said the victim’s name could be released if a Right to Know Request is filed with her office.
