No Charges Will be Filed Against 8-Year-Old Accused of Intentionally Shooting Dead Elderly Caregiver

An 8-year-old boy who police say intentionally shot and killed his elderly caregiver on Thursday will not be charged with a crime, despite the heinous act he committed.

Investigators believe the boy, who police have not named because of his age, shot his elderly caregiver, Marie Smothers, in the back of the head while she sat and watched television, according to WAFB-TV.

The boy had just finished playing the violent, realistic video game "Grand Theft Auto IV."

However, authorities say they are unable to charge the boy with a crime because of a Louisiana law that protects children from criminal responsibility.

The state law states that "those who have not reached the age of 10 years are exempt from criminal responsibility."

Watch a local news report, courtesy of KPLC-TV:

KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Police said the boy initially claimed he accidentally shot Smothers while playing with a firearm, but investigators later determined the act was intentional.

Some news reports have described Smothers as 90-years-old, while others have portrayed her as 87-years-old.

The 8-year-old boy was released to his family Thursday night. The Washington Post reports Smothers was a relative of the family.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect that there are conflicting reports regarding Smothers' age.

(H/T: KTRK-TV)

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