Accidental shooting kills boy in Lawrence County

A 10-year-old boy from rural Lawrence County died on Sunday night after being accidentally shot by his father on Saturday evening. Sheriff Brad DeLay identifies the victim as Garrett Spaulding, who lived with his family south of Miller.

DeLay says the Spaulding family raises chickens. He said on Monday afternoon that a rooster was in some brush and the family was trying to get it back in its pen. He said the boy's father was carrying a small-caliber rifle when he tripped and fell. The gun fired and hit Garrett in the head. He died about 24 hours later.

DeLay said the investigation is ongoing but every indication from the family is that it was an accident.