The 16-year-old boy accused of killing his 8-year-old cousin called the shooting an accident Thursday afternoon before his first court appearance in DeKalb County.
Charlie Oliver is being held without bond in the death of the boy, identified as Solomon Zellner by the DeKalb County Medical Examiner's office. Solomon was shot Wednesday evening at his Salem Glen Road home, near Lithonia. He was transported in critical condition to the hospital, where he died early Thursday.
Detectives have not determined what led to the shooting, according to Mekka Parish, spokeswoman for the DeKalb County police department.
The victim's mother was inside the home at the time of the shooting, but not in the same room, Parish said.
Oliver spoke briefly to reporters as he was led into magistrate court Thursday.
"I love my family and that's my family," Oliver said. "It was an accident. That's all I have to say."
No cameras were allowed in the courtroom, where Oliver waived having his charges read. Oliver's next court appearance was set for August.
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