RICHMOND, Va. — Family members have identified the 10-year-old boy who was shot and killed on Richmond’s Southside Tuesday evening as Teon Burwell.
Teon was playing at his home on Angela Drive when he found a gun, according to his grandmother Louise Shelton.
Shelton said her grandson accidentally shot himself in front of his 12-year-old brother.
“They said he had been shot in the arm and it went through to his other arm. It hit a main artery,” Shelton said.
Shelton said she raced to her grandson's home when she heard the news.
It remained unclear Wednesday how the boy obtained a weapon.
Richmond Police said they found the boy suffering from life-threatening injuries just after 5 p.m. in the 3700 block of Angela Drive on Tuesday.
He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Officers said they weren’t searching for any suspects.
Teon’s loved ones nicknamed him “Tootie.” They said he was the typical little boy.
“He’s funny, he was a good kid. He was always laughing, joking, and playing,” Teon’s aunt Maria Shelton said.
Teon hoped to try out for basketball.
He loved to dress well and take pictures. He would’ve turned 11-years-old on April 19, the birthday he shares with his older sister. Teon's grandmother said he lived with his mother, who is devastated by the sudden loss.
“He should’ve never had a way to get access to a firearm at the age of 10, period,” Maria Shelton explained. “It was an accident, but he’s gone. If you have guns lock them up and keep them far away.”
The family has established a GoFundMe account to help pay for the boy's funeral. At last check Thursday, more than $1,150 had been raised.
Richmond Police were tight-lipped Wednesday regarding their investigation.
Detectives would not say whether they’re considering charging anyone in connection to the shooting.
The cause and manner of the boy's death will be determined by the Medical Examiner.
Sadly, this family has experienced gun violence in the past.
October 2012, Louise Shelton’s 18-year-old son, Rodney Shelton, was one of two people shot during a drive-by in Church Hill.
Police haven’t made any arrests in his murder.
Anyone with information about this death investigation was asked to call Major Crimes Detective G. Bailey at 804-646-6743.
