New York: Boy, 15, ‘shot by his older brother’

A 15-year-old boy died after his older brother allegedly shot him in the head.

Steven Estevez succumbed to his injuries on February 17 and police on Tuesday ruled his death a manslaughter.

His brother David Estevez, 17, was arrested shortly afterwards in connection with the incident, public records show.

David told police he was in a room in a Staten Island apartment with his brother, playing with a silver gun, when he accidentally shot him, SILive.com reported.

Immediately after the shooting, David reportedly hid the firearm, possibly because he was scared. Police later found the gun.

Police were responding to an 911 call for a man who was shot and killed around 11:55pm on February 16 at her home on Thomson Street, off Wright Street in the Stapleton neighborhood.

First responders transported Steven to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton in critical condition.

David was arrested around 9:30 p.m. and charged with assault, criminal possession of a loaded firearm, criminal possession of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon. He was arraigned in a criminal court in St George and pleaded not guilty, public records show. It was not immediately clear whether prosecutors would increase the charges against him.

The Legal Aid Society, hired to represent David, called it an “incredibly tragic case”.

“Out of respect for our client, his family and his community, we ask the public not to jump to conclusions and to respect the family’s privacy at this extraordinarily difficult time of mourning,” the organization said.

“Following a thorough review and investigation, we will have more to say about this case over the coming days, weeks and months.”

David’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 6th.

Steven attended Ralph R McKee High School and played on the junior varsity football team at McKee-Staten Island Technical High School.

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