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Killer Boy Reloaded 8 Times

Investigators still stunned by 8-year-old's killing of his dad and neighbor

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 11, 2008 2:40 AM CST

(Newser) – An 8-year-old killer methodically stopped and reloaded a .22 caliber rifle at least eight times as he repeatedly shot his own dad and a neighbor, the New York Times reports. Investigators have discovered no motive for the disturbing murders last week. The Arizona boy, who confessed to the shootings, appears to have suffered no physical or sexual trauma.

“That’s what makes this case somewhat puzzling,” said the local police chief. “Our goal is to get him help.” Psychologists say children may not comprehend the finality of death. The boy was used to handling weapons and had been taught by his father to hunt . He appeared in court yesterday as hundreds attended his father's funeral. "He's a scared little kid," his attorney said. "He was yanked out of a comfortable situation."

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

The house in Arizona where an 8-year-old confessed he shot dead his father and father and another man. (AP Photo/Dana Felthauser)

Police Chief Roy Melnick says an 8-year-old Arizona boy has confessed to killing his father and another man with a rifle, but investigators have discovered no motive. (AP Photo/Dana Felthauser)

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He had to eject the shell from the rifle and put in a new shell each time he fired.
- Brad Carlyon, Apache County
deputy attorney

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Guest

Nov 20, 2008 8:54 PM CST

I can't believe this story- It really seems as if this boy is being railroaded - I would be really curious to know if there was any gunpowder residue on his hands - or if anyone is checking the trijection of the bullets- if it was possible for him to shoot his dad in the head- seeing the tape was truly disturbing - I can't believe this tape would even be allowed in court. Are they not aware of the many studies of children this boys age and younger who will give false answers because they think that is what an authoratative figure is looking for. Remeber those kids who accused the daycare workers of many horrific things including sacrifice to the devil after much swayed questioning., I was not aware that this sort of thing could still happen - this police department needs a full overhaul - case solved blame the 8 year old- I just don't believe this.

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Arizona • murder • University of South Florida • child • patricide • Roy Melnick • Apache County Juvenile Detention Center

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Killer Boy Reloaded 8 Times