Boy dies after being shot in the face Saturday in Leavittsburg

Staff report

LEAVITTSBURG

A Cleveland boy, 15, died Monday in Cleveland MetroHealth Hospital after being shot in the face by his uncle, 28, at the uncle’s house on Ruth Avenue.

Police Chief Don Bishop said the boy, who was visiting at the time, was in “very critical condition” Monday morning after being hit with a shotgun blast Saturday night.

But 21 WFMJ-TV, The Vindicator’s broadcast partner, reported the boy died late Monday afternoon.

The uncle told police he pointed the gun at the boy’s face and pulled the trigger but didn’t know the gun was loaded. It had two shells in it, Bishop said.

The uncle and nephew are not being identified at this time, and no charges have been filed. The uncle has been cooperative and is not in custody, the chief said.

There were several other people in the home at the time of the 10:30 p.m. shooting.

Police have done gunshot- residue testing and continue to investigate and consult with the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office, Bishop said.