An Indiana 8-year-old died Friday after being shot in the eye with a BB gun by her 6-year-old brother, Allen County officials said.

Deborah Kay Schwartz, of Grabill, died at a local hospital. The Allen County Coroner's Office ruled her death a homicide, the county's first of 2018.

Her death remained under investigation Tuesday by the Allen County Sheriff's Department, but authorities told WANE in Fort Wayne that the shooting appeared to be a tragic accident. Police and paramedics were called to the girl's home around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, where they found her with the wound to the head. She was in critical condition when they arrived.

According to her obituary, Deborah is survived by her parents, six siblings and other relatives.

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Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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