​7-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot While Visiting Friend ​In Lancaster

LANCASTER, CA — A 7-year-old boy died from a gunshot wound to the head at a Lancaster home, authorities said Saturday.

The manner of death for Eli Thomas was still undecided, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, meaning authorities have not determined whether it was a homicide or an accident.

Deputies were sent to the 44000 block of Dahlia Street at about 6 p.m. Thursday "in regard to a gunshot victim call," the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.
Deputies found a boy at the home suffering from a gunshot wound, and rendered aid until the arrival of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The child "tragically died from his injuries at the location," the statement said.

Investigators learned Thomas did not reside at the location, but was visiting a friend. His family was notified.

"Investigators still need to conduct several interviews," the statement said. "A firearm was recovered from the scene. No arrests were made."

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

— City News Service