*** First Coast News is choosing not to identify the minor arrested in Columbia County today. We will revisit that decision if the State Attorney chooses to file charges against the suspect as an adult.
A child has been charged with manslaughter after a shooting left a 14-year-old boy dead on Wednesday.
On Thursday evening, Columbia County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) obtained an arrest warrant for an 11-year-old suspect that was in the home when Jadon Vaughn was shot and killed.
The suspect has since been taken into custody.
"A judge did sign an arrest warrant stating we had probable cause, but that doesn't mean that this is all over with," CCSO Sgt. Murray Smith said. "There will be procedures that go on, and they'll decide if this charge is applicable or if another charge will be."
The Sheriff's office says his parents will likely also be charged, stating that the gun was not locked and readily accessible.
The investigation by CCSO has revealed that Jadon was visiting the home of two brothers and began to play wrestle with the suspect in an attempt to see if the family dog would respond.
According to CCSO, the suspect then went and retrieved a pistol from his parent’s room, removed the magazine and pointed it at Jadon. Deputies say the gun discharged at that point, killing Jadon.
Afterward, deputies say that the suspect called his father and told him that Jadon came at him with a knife. The suspect and his 13-year-old brother later admitted placing a kitchen knife near Jadon after the shooting, believing they would be in less trouble.
The suspect is currently in juvenile detention in Gainesville.
“This is a tragic and avoidable death” Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter said.
“Our hearts are broken for both families; one has lost a son and the other will struggle with these events for the rest of their lives. To honor Jadon, I want to stress the importance of securing your firearms so a child cannot get to them.”
The State Attorney's office is not providing comment on the arrest and has filed no charges in the case.