Police: Teen shoots, kills 12-year-old brother

ORLANDO, Fla. — Police said a teen mistakenly shot his 12-year-old brother, killing him, inside their Lake Nona home Friday afternoon.

The shooting happened on Portafino Drive in the Nona Crest Subdivision in Orange County.

According to investigators, the shooting was accidental.

Authorities said the two brothers were home alone, when the older boy feared an intruder was inside the house and grabbed a gun.

“He heard some noises and he called out for his brother and he didn’t answer and so then his brother startled him,” said Orlando Police Department Detective Mike Moreschi.

Detectives said the 16-year-old shot and struck his brother, then realized the tragic mistake and called 911.

A police spokesman said the 12-year-old was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital where he died.

“He’s devastated, obviously. His parents are devastated by what happened and it’s just a really bad situation for the family,” Moreschi said.

Police said the 16-year-old won’t be charged in the shooting, but the State Attorney’s office will review the case to look for possible negligence.

The gun was legally owned.

Neighbors in the Nona Crest subdivision said they can’t believe it.

“All I can say is it’s so scary. It’s heartbreaking. I can’t imagine what his parents are going through,” said Julia Bracey.

Neighbor Francis Ikwueme said, “It cuts deep and it breaks my heart. There was the shooting up in Connecticut. Anytime young life or life in general has to be cut short senselessly, it’s a very unfortunate thing.”

It’s unclear where the gun was located inside the home or if it was locked up.

Crime scene investigators were on scene Friday night to process the house.

Neighbors said the family has lived in the neighborhood for less than a year.

"My heart goes out to the family and I will keep them in my prayers," said Ikwueme.

Police: 12-year-old mistaken for intruder, shot and killed by brother

WFTV