The handgun used in the fatal shooting of a teenage boy in Cooper City belonged to the stepfather of the accused shooter, officials said Friday.
Fourteen-year-old Eric Palacios faces a manslaughter charge after his friend, also 14, died while they played with a handgun in Palacios' home Thursday afternoon, the Broward Sheriff's Office said.
The deceased boy, who was shot in the head, has been identified as Charlie Martin, 14, of Sunrise. His 16-year-old brother, Francisco, was present during the shooting and among the boys who tinkered with the weapon, authorities said.
The shooting happened inside a detached garage at Palacios' home in the 10000 block of Northwest 41st Street where the teens' playful curiosity turned deadly.