Teen shot 12-year-old boy after argument, court documents say

RED LION, Pa. — A 12-year-old Pennsylvania boy was fatally shot by his friend after the 13-year-old boy made a joke about the victim’s mother, according to court documents.

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Kain Heiland, of Red Lion, was killed Saturday at about 8:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday, the Patriot-News reported. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Heiland’s body was found in between two homes with a bullet casing on the ground, according to WHTM-TV.

According to court documents, Heiland and two other boys were playing when the teen went back to a residence and returned with a gun, the television station reported. Investigators alleged that the boy made a joke, and when Heiland told him to shut up, he was shot in the upper back by the 13-year-old, WHP-TV reported.

Heiland died from his injuries.

“It hurts my heart to see that,” neighbor Jim Bosley told the television station. “This is just a horrible thing that happened. This should have never happened.”

The alleged shooter’s father later confirmed that he owned a gun matching the caliber of the bullet casing that was found next to Heiland, WHTN reported. Police did not identify the caliber of the bullet or the type of gun that was used.

It is unclear whether the alleged shooter is in custody or whether he is facing any charges, according to WHP.

State troopers have not provided any other details, the television station reported.

According to a search warrant return, troopers have collected photographs, DNA samples, and clothing as part of the ongoing investigation, the Patriot-News reported.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses for Heiland.