Polk County boy dies after BB gun injury - WFLA-TV Newschannel 8

Polk County boy dies after BB gun injury

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Skyler Richardson, Facebook photo Skyler Richardson, Facebook photo
Skyler Richardson, provided by  Ben Hill Griffin Elementary School Skyler Richardson, provided by Ben Hill Griffin Elementary School
POLK COUNTY, FL -

Polk deputies say they are investigating the death of a Frostproof boy as both a homicide and an accident.  Ten-year-old Skyler Richardson died last night, after his brother shot him at close range with a BB gun a week ago.

"Is it a tragedy?  Yes.  Is it heart-wrenching?  Yes.  Do we think it's an accident, yes.  But legally it's a homicide now," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. 

According to the Sheriff's Office, Skyler and his older brother, 13-year-old Taylor Richardson, were shooting targets with their BB guns outside their home on Otto Polk Road last Wednesday. Taylor pointed his gun at Skyler and shot him in the head.

The boys' mother Heather Richardson, 34, was making dinner inside the house when Taylor came in and told her what happened. 

Skyler Richardson died at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa.  He was a student at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary School.  Principal Patti McGill remembers Skyler as a polite student.

"Anytime you had a conversation with him, he was always 'yes ma'am, no ma'am'.  Very respectful and well-liked," McGill said.

The case will soon be turned over to the State Attorney's office to determine if anyone should face any charges.

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