A six-year-old girl died after her 12-year-old brother reportedly shot her in their home while their parents were away at a Christmas party.
Maliyah Palmer from the town of Florissant, Missouri in the US, died from a single gunshot wound to the head when her older brother found a 9mm pistol in a dresser drawer in their parent’s bedroom, Fox2 Now reports.
The young girl was rushed to the hospital where she later died.
Local police learnt that Maliyah and her brother were left in the care of their 16-year-old sister, St Louis Post Dispatch wrote.
Florissant Police Chief Timothy Lowery told local media no charges will be filed.
"Investigators have determined that this was a tragic accident," Lowery said in a statement.
"You couldn't have written a more tragic script. The whole thing is just so tragic and terrible, but we have to put our personal feelings aside and do the law enforcement side of this."
Principal Rene Sommers at Green Trails Elementary School, which Maliyah attended, released a statement on Monday morning, Metro reports.
"Our goal will be to keep the day and routine normal," Sommers said in her letter.
"We'll share the news honestly and openly so that understanding, processing, grieving and healing can begin."
Sources: Fox2 Now, St Louis Post Dispatch, Metro