12-year-old California boy accidentally shoots twin brother to death; mom arrested

A 12-year-old boy handling a gun at his San Bernardino home accidentally shot his twin brother to death Monday, June 24, prompting the arrest of the boys’ mother, police said.

Gabriela Keeton, 45, was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment, the San Bernardino Police Department said. The boys’ father has been hospitalized for an unrelated reason and was not arrested, Sgt. John Echevarria said Tuesday.

The boys were alone at home in the 900 block of East Central Avenue about 7:30 p.m. Monday when one of the boys found the unsecured gun in the master bedroom, Echevarria said. The gun went off, striking his brother. The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Keeton was arrested at the scene.

Police on Tuesday reminded weapons owners to keep them locked and out of reach of children and to educate their children on the danger of weapons if improperly handled.

Police ask anyone with information on the case to call Detective Reyna at 909-384-5638 or Sgt. Flores at 909-384-5659.