14-year-old allegedly killed his teen brother and had 'detailed' hit list of other family members

PIKE COUNTY, Ala. (TCD) -- A 14-year-old male allegedly admitted to fatally shooting his teen brother and writing up a hit list of other family members he intended to kill.

Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas told WAKA-TV that on Tuesday, Oct. 3, a man called law enforcement to report he found his 17-year-old son, who had not been seen since the night prior, deceased on his property. Deputies responded to the residence, processed the scene, and took the victim’s family members to the station for interviews.

Thomas interviewed the 14-year-old, and the teen allegedly "confessed that he shot and killed his brother at the residence." The teen reportedly shot his brother inside their home, then the victim "staggered outside." He collapsed on the ground and died.

After that, the 14-year-old allegedly moved his brother’s body about 60 yards away to the edge of the property and went back inside to clean up the scene.

The suspect’s friend reportedly learned the 14-year-old had a "detailed" list of family members he wanted to kill and "whether it would be easy or difficult." Investigators searched the home and discovered the list inside the boy’s bag.

Thomas said the teen allegedly "intended to shoot up" Pike County High School, where he and his brother both attended. He reportedly had specific students he wanted to target.

In another press conference, Thomas said the teen told one of his classmates about the shooting. The student was reportedly taking and test and "was so bothered by what the 14-year-old friend told him that he reported it to the teacher." The teacher subsequently informed administrators.

Pike County District Attorney James Tarbox added, "Had the student not come forward, we might have had other deaths."

The Pike County School District released a statement Oct. 4 saying faculty became "aware of disturbing and threatening statements made by a fellow student," which prompted the school to enact a safety protocol. The teen was "immediately removed from the school" and arrested.

AL.com reports Thomas said the 14-year-old "asked his friend to help him murder the rest of the family and help him bury their bodies."

The teen is in custody at a juvenile detention facility.

MORE:

• 14-year-old boy shoots and kills brother in Pike County, threatens to shoot students - WAKA
• Sheriff: Alabama boy, 14, killed brother, had family 'hit list' - WSFA-TV
• Press Release - Pike County Schools
• Alabama teen with family hit list kills brother, drags body into woods, plots school shooting, sheriff says - AL.com