UPDATE: Boy, 14, responsible for Saskatoon shooting death facing firearms charges

A 14-year-old boy facing several firearms-related charges after the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy in Saskatoon appeared in court Friday.

The victim was found dead Monday evening after police were called to a home on Avenue Q South and 19th Street.

Investigators were able to identify a 14-year-old boy as being the person responsible. Police said the victim and suspect were known to each other and police say it was not a random act.

The teenagers were very close and the victim “practically” lived at the house on Avenue Q South, according to a friend.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the friend of both boys said the 14-year-old is struggling to cope with the “accidental” shooting.

“There’s a lot of people saying that (the boy) meant to do that … In reality, he feels really bad and he turned himself in and everything. He told the cops what actually happened,” she said.  “When you see him you can tell he is lost without his best friend.”

She spoke with the teenager on Thursday before he went into custody and said he is “not doing so good” and is “traumatized”.

The accused’s family was very close and they all liked the victim, according to the friend. But there were concerns about gang activity. 

“There is a lot of Terror Squad that always went to that house trying to mess around with (the victim) because (he) used to be involved with that gang,” she said. “They were trying to hurt him. That’s the whole reason they had the weapons there because the Terror Squad was trying to shoot at their house and stuff.” 

The friend said she hopes people will take a moment before judging the accused because “that was his best friend and he lost him, too”.

The suspect is facing the following charges related to two guns: an automatic shotgun and a sawed-off .22 rifle:

• Two counts of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
• Two counts of possession of firearm knowing it is unauthorized
• One count of careless use of firearm
• One count of pointing firearm
• One count possession of prohibited weapon with ammunition
• Two counts of possession of firearm contrary to order
• One count possession of ammunition contrary to order

The Saskatoon Police Service is consulting with Crown prosecutors to determine if additional charges should be laid.