PITTSBURGH — A child who police said was shot while playing with a gun inside a Pittsburgh home has died.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said that Kruz Bailey-Baker, 7, died at the hospital on Wednesday evening.
On Saturday, officers were called to a home in the 900 block of Kirkbride Street in the city’s California-Kirkbride neighborhood around 9:45 a.m. for a reported shooting.
When officers got on scene, they spoke with a 9-year-old child who said he and his 7-year-old brother were playing with a gun in the basement. The gun went off while the children were handling it, shooting the 7-year-old in the head.
It wasn’t exactly clear how the gun went off, but public safety officials said the investigation showed the 9-year-old accidentally shot Kruz, as the 9-year-old told police that the gun was in his possession at the time of the incident.
Kruz was rushed to an area hospital in critical condition and taken immediately into surgery, where he later died.
No adults were home at the time of the shooting. Police said an adult who lives in the home had recently left for work.
The 9-year-old and a 16-year-old boy, who was also in the home at the time, were taken into custody for questioning.
At this point, no charges are pending. Police over the weekend said that could change as the investigation unfolds.
Pittsburgh Public Schools confirmed that Kruz was a student at Pittsburgh Manchester PreK-8. They released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Pittsburgh Manchester PreK–8 student Kruz Amir Bailey Baker. Kruz, a first-grade student, died from injuries sustained in a tragic firearm accident that occurred in his family’s home this past Saturday.
“Kruz will be remembered as a sweet and joyful young boy whose smile could light up a room. Like many children his age, he loved being active, and gym was his favorite class. He most recently shared a wonderful day with his friends at the school’s math fair.
“Our hearts are with Kruz’s family, friends, and the Pittsburgh Manchester school community during this incredibly difficult time.
“Pittsburgh Public Schools is coordinating with school leadership to provide counseling and support services for students and staff. A communication will be sent home to families today. We respectfully ask that the media honor the privacy of the school community during this time of loss. No further comment will be provided by the school or District at this time.”
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