Paul NelsonChannel 2 News
A day after Alondra Cervantes died of a gunshot wound, family members gathered near her apartment where dozens of candles are arranged in the shape of a cross. Investigators say her 17-year-old brother confessed to the accidental shooting.
"It is a very tragic situation for the family, for our community," Sparks Police Department Commander Brian Miller said. "The family, at this point, feels like they lost both children. Our heart goes out to them."
Originally police were told an intruder entered the apartment through a window and shot Cervantes. After an investigation, Cervantes' brother told them what really happened.
"What he indicated to us is that he always keeps the gun on safe and, in this case, the gun was not on safe," Miller said. "Pointed it at her, in a simulation, and ultimately fired the weapon."
The suspect purchased the gun about two days before the shooting but was reluctant to tell investigators where he got it from. However, they do say they know why he bought the weapon.
"The 17-year-old brother was enamored with the gang-type lifestyle and purchased it in furtherance of that type of behavior," Miller said.
Police also say he has a past with law enforcement but wouldn't say if he has a criminal record or if he is affiliated with a gang. Right now, he's being charged as a juvenile with Involuntary Manslaughter but investigators are working to get him certified as an adult.
"We don't feel like this is a situation where a naive juvenile located a firearm in his father's closet and decided to play with it," Miller said.
The suspect was arrested and taken to the Jan Evans Juvenile Detention Facility. Investigators found the shotgun used in this shooting and say there is no evidence that it is stolen but they are still trying to find out exactly where it came from and who he bought it from.
A bank account is set up to help the Cervantes family with family costs. Just go to any Wells Fargo bank and ask for account #7321399219.
