Fatal Shooting Of Boy Leaves Questions As South Jersey Community Mourns

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — One day after a boy died from a gunshot wound in Washington Township, authorities continue to investigate the incident that has left the community in mourning.

The boy, 10, suffered a gunshot to the head Tuesday afternoon at a Washington Township home, police said. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The nature of the shooting remains unclear. But there is no ongoing threat to the community, and investigators believe it was an isolated incident, said Thomas Gilbert, chief of detectives for the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office's.

"It's still under investigation, so we're not defining what it was and what it wasn't at this point because we have more work to do," Gilbert told Patch on Wednesday morning. "We certainly don't want to be in any way premature or putting out information in fragments at this point."

The child was a student at Washington Township's Birches Elementary School, officials said. Authorities have withheld his name as of late Wednesday morning.

The incident happened on the 400 block of Westminster Boulevard, which is right by the school.

As the school community grieves, Washington Township's police chief offered support to local educators and directed additional patrols in and around Birches School.

"This morning, you walk into your building with heavy hearts, your minds working to process a tragedy," Chief Pat Gurcsik said Wednesday in an open message to Washington Township's teachers. "And yet, you will show up — professionally, compassionately — offering strength and comfort to our youngest hearts and minds, all while carrying your own grief. We see you. We hear you. And we are here for you."

Counseling and support services have been made available for students, school staff and families affected by the loss.

Washington Township police and the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office are investigating the shooting. Anyone with information related to the incident can contact the Washington Township Detective Bureau at 856-589-0330.