15-Year-Old Walks into Police Station and Admits He Killed His 12-Year-Old Brother

A quiet Canton neighborhood was rocked by tragedy after a 15-year-old boy allegedly shot and killed his younger brother, then turned himself in the next morning. Police say the case is as devastating as it is puzzling, and residents are struggling to make sense of it.

The shooting happened late Friday night at a modest home on 19th Street NW. According to Canton Police, a frantic 911 call came in just after 10:40 p.m. Officers arrived minutes later and found a 12-year-old boy inside the residence with a life-threatening gunshot wound.

Paramedics raced him to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital. Doctors could not save him.

Investigators immediately began searching for the victim’s older brother, who they believed had fled the scene. For nearly twelve hours, officers canvassed the area, interviewed witnesses, and urged the teen to come forward.

On Saturday afternoon, the 15-year-old walked into the police department and surrendered.

“He came in voluntarily,” a law enforcement source told us. “He knew we were looking for him. He didn’t resist. He just said he wanted to talk.”

The teen is now charged with reckless homicide, a second-degree felony in Ohio. Authorities have not yet revealed how he got the firearm or what led up to the shooting. Police say those questions are central to the ongoing investigation.

Legal experts note that reckless homicide charges typically indicate the shooting may have been unintentional, but the circumstances were dangerous and avoidable.

“In cases involving juveniles and firearms, the courts look closely at access, negligence, and supervision,” said retired prosecutor Daniel Reid. “These tragedies often happen in seconds, but the fallout lasts a lifetime.”

Neighbors described the family as quiet, private, and devoted to their children. Many said they were stunned to see their street swarmed with flashing lights and police tape.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking,” said neighbor Jason Wallace, who has lived nearby for six years. “I’ve got a 12-year-old myself. You never think anything like this could happen right next door.”

Another resident told local reporters that the younger boy was often seen playing outside. “Just a normal kid,” she said. “Happy. Always running around.”

Canton Police Chief John Gabbard issued a brief statement, calling the case “a tragedy for the family and for our entire community.” He urged residents to pray for the victim’s loved ones and to store firearms safely.

Police say more information will be released once investigators finish interviewing family members and reviewing evidence.

For now, a family is grieving, a teenager is facing felony charges, and a community is left to wonder how a normal Friday night turned into a nightmare.