In the summer of 2016, a tragic incident unfolded on the east side of Detroit, resulting in the death of 14-year-old Frederick Austin. On a Tuesday evening, June 7th, Frederick was with a group of friends, including a 13-year-old boy, in a shed situated behind a vacant house on Radnor Street. The gathering took a fatal turn when a handgun, which had been in Frederick's possession, was picked up by his 13-year-old friend.
The gun discharged, and the single shot struck and killed Frederick.
Following the shooting, Detroit Police were called to the scene where they discovered the young victim. The 13-year-old was quickly identified as the suspected shooter and was taken into custody. In the wake of the event, authorities began an investigation to piece together the moments that led to the fatal shooting, trying to determine whether it was an accidental discharge or the result of a dispute among the youths.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office brought charges against the 13-year-old as a juvenile. He faced counts of involuntary manslaughter, careless discharge of a firearm causing death, and felony firearm. Due to his age, the suspect's name was not publicly released, and it was determined that if convicted, he would be sentenced within the juvenile justice system. The case highlighted the devastating consequences of firearms in the hands of young people and left a community mourning the loss of a young life.
