A 14-year-old boy has been charged with five counts of murder after admitting to killing his family in their home in Elkmont, Alabama on Tuesday, September 3.
According to CNN, the victims were his father, John Sisk, 38, his stepmother, Mary Sisk, 35; his 6-year-old brother; his 5-year-old sister; and his 6-month-old brother.
Limestone County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Stephen Young told reporters Tuesday they have yet to establish a motive.
The teen faces five juvenile counts of murder. However, Young said, “pending the adjudication process, [the teen] could face adult charges of multiple counts of murder and/or capital murder.”
Investigators found the handgun allegedly used in the killings on “the side of the road nearby where it had been tossed,” according to a tweet made by the sheriff’s office. The office also previously said the teen was assisting police in locating a 9 mm handgun that he had discarded near the scene.
CNN affiliate WAFF reports the shooting happened at about 10:30 p.m. Monday. The accused teen called 911 to report that he was in the basement when he heard gunfire upstairs.
The boy then repeated the claim to deputies who arrived on the scene.
WAFF says hours later, the sheriff told investigators the 14-year-old confessed to the shootings.
The sheriff’s office first reported early Tuesday that three of the five victims were confirmed dead at the scene and two were airlifted in critical condition. The office later confirmed the airlifted victims had died as well, CNN reports.
A Limestone County School District spokeswoman confirmed with the publication the teen attended Elkmont High School but referred additional questions to law enforcement.
“Limestone County Schools is deeply saddened by the tragic event,” Karen Tucker said in an email to CNN. “We are concentrating our efforts in assisting our students, faculty, and community in dealing with this tragedy. Additional school counselors and Limestone County Health Department Counselors are on site. These individuals will be available for as long as there is a need.”
The boy is being held in an unspecified juvenile facility.
