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Andrew Frye, 6, was fatally shot Thursday. His 11-year-old brother has been charged in connection with the death. The boys were home alone at the time of the shooting. (WISH photo)

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Brother charged in 6-year-old's death

Updated: Wednesday, 06 Jul 2011, 8:59 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 01 Jul 2011, 4:46 PM EDT

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - The 11-year-old stepbrother of the 6-year-old fatally shot Thursday in Morgan County is being charged with murder, officials said Friday.

The murder charge indicates officials have reason to believe the shooting was not purely accidental, Morgan County Prosecutor Steve Sonnega said in the news conference. The 11-year-old is also being charged with criminal recklessness.

"It's very sad that we're here today," Sonnega said at the news conference, "but that's part of our justice system."

The 11-year-old is being held at the Johnson County Detention Center. A hearing has been set for July 6. Sonnega said it is possible the boy may be charged as an adult.

Emergency crews rushed to the home southwest of Martinsville, near Liberty Church Road and Ind. 37, after the 11-year-old called 911 Thursday. The 6-year-old, Andrew Frye, was found shot in the head with a .22-caliber gun. The boy was flown to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, where he later died.

Sonnega said no charges have been filed against the child's parents, but they could be pending.