Cops: 14-Year-Old Killed His Whole Family

The alarming call came into the Limestone County Sheriff's Office in northern Alabama about 10:30pm Monday: A 14-year-old boy said he was at home in the basement and heard gunshots upstairs. When deputies arrived, however, the teen's story quickly unraveled. Now police say that the teen was, in fact, the shooter—and that he killed his family of five. The details out of Elkmont, Alabama:

• The victims: Authorities have not released any names, but they say the boy's father, stepmother, and three siblings were shot to death, reports WAFF. Three were pronounced dead at the scene, while an adult and a minor were airlifted to the hospital and later died.

• The weapon: Investigators found a 9mm handgun that had been tossed outside by the road, per the AP.
• Initial story: The alleged shooter repeated his story about hearing gunshots when deputies arrived, reports CNN. In a matter of hours, however, the sheriff's office said the teen had confessed.
• Neighbors: "We are just still in shock," neighbor Karen Erwin tells AL.com. The newspaper describes the community as a quiet one of modest homes. She said the slain family were "good people." Elkmont has fewer than 500 people and lies just south of the Tennessee border, per CNN. It's about 45 minutes from Huntsville.
• High school student: The alleged shooter went to Elkmont High School and at least one of the slain siblings attended school in the same district. Counselors were on hand at Elkmont Elementary. "Limestone County Schools is deeply saddened by the tragic event," says a spokeswoman. "We are concentrating our efforts in assisting our students, faculty and community in dealing with this tragedy."

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