Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist will not file criminal charges against a 13-year-old boy Puyallup boy who accidentally shot his friend, because the investigation did not yield evidence to support criminal charges.

“This was a heartbreaking tragedy that illustrates the importance of handling guns responsibly,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist.

On Feb. 6, 2014, several boys gathered at a home after school. The boy who lived at the home retrieved a shotgun from another room and showed it to his friends. He handed the gun to one of the other boys, who pulled the trigger. The gun discharged, striking the victim in the chest. Medics treated the victim and transported him to the hospital. He did not survive.

The Puyallup Police Department conducted an investigation following the incident. The police reports, as well as witness statements and medical examiner reports, were forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office to be reviewed. Charges that were considered would require prosecutors to prove the boy acted with criminal recklessness or criminal negligence. The investigation did not yield sufficient evidence to support the charges.