In Fayetteville, North Carolina, an 11-year-old boy is the focus of an investigation following the shooting of an eight-year-old girl, Jenesis Dockery, on July 25. 

Dockery and her younger sister were at the boy’s residence for babysitting by his mother. Tragically, Dockery did not survive her injuries and died two days after.

The babysitter was said to be a friend of the family and she had cared for Jenesis and her sister many times in the past without a problem. It is not clear where the mother was at the time of the shooting.

While initially there are no formal charges against the boy, the potential of charging him with manslaughter and larceny of a firearm is being evaluated. Post the incident, he has been secured in the Department of Juvenile Detention by law enforcement.

Reports suggest the weapon used was retrieved from an unlocked safe in the residence. The boy had earlier shared photos on social media networks holding firearms. This detail was confirmed by the attorney representing the Dockery family.

With the investigation underway, there’s a growing discussion about the potential legal implications surrounding the children’s supervision.