RACINE, Wis. — The 16-year-old brother of an 11-year-old shot and killed last week in a Racine home has been charged in the boy’s death.
Pedro Sauceda, 16, is facing one count of first-degree reckless homicide, use of a dangerous weapon.
Related: Racine family mourns 11-year-old accidentally shot and killed by sibling
Racine police said the shooting happened around 10:33 p.m. on May 16 at a home in the 2600 block of Prospect Street. Prosecutors said the 11-year-old, identified by relatives as Jesus “Chucho” Valladares, was taken to the hospital by relatives before officers arrived. He later died from his injuries.
According to a criminal complaint filed May 21, witnesses at the scene identified Pedro as the shooter.
Prosecutors said when officers arrived, the teen was kneeling and asked them to kill him. Despite commands to lie down, he allegedly stood up, approached officers, and said, “Just f****** kill me!” before being physically restrained.
According to the complaint, investigators believe the gun was likely held very close to or pressed against Chucho's body when it was fired, based on a dark circle around the wound. His shirt also showed apparent burn marks around the bullet hole.
Pedro’s grandmother told investigators she heard a gunshot from the living room and found Pedro holding a gun, with Chucho lying on the floor, appearing purple and struggling to breathe.
Watch: Racine family mourns 11-year-old accidentally shot and killed by sibling
Other household witnesses also reported hearing gunfire and seeing Chucho "suffering from a gunshot wound."
When interviewed by investigators, Pedro said he was playing with the gun when his younger brother tried to take it away because he knew Pedro wasn’t supposed to have it.
Pedro told investigators the gun accidentally went off as he pulled it away and that he thought the safety was on.
The teen also told investigators that Chucho may have intervened because Pedro had pretended to put the gun to his own head, according to the complaint.
Brothers allegedly 'play fought' with the gun dozens of times
Pedro’s sister told investigators the brothers had "play fought" with the gun more than 50 times and that it was usually unloaded. She said she had placed one bullet in the gun earlier that day, intending to fire it during a visit to the cemetery.
According to the complaint, the family had gone to the cemetery earlier that day to celebrate a deceased relative’s birthday. She also told investigators she threw the gun into a river after the incident.
The criminal complaint does not specify if the gun was legally registered, purchased, or who the legal owner was; however, it suggests Pedro and his sister had regular access to it.
What's next
Pedro appeared in court on Wednesday, May 21, for his initial appearance. His bond was set at $150,000, according to court records. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 28 at 8:30 a.m.
Remembering Chucho
Relatives told TMJ4 they are remembering Chucho for his energy, kindness and love of the outdoors.
“Always playing outside, full of life,” said cousin Dolores Villarreal. “He was always willing to help my grandma because we recently lost our Grandpa eight months ago. It’s been hard, but he was always there to help.”
The family has created a GoFundMe page to help cover Chucho's funeral expenses.
A City of Racine alderman, Henry Perez, told TMJ4 he is working to launch a youth gun safety program later this year, with more details on that to come.
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