Boy, 14, charged with murder after 'confessing to killing five family members'
A 14-year-old boy has admitted to killing five members of his family including his three younger siblings, police say.
The teen called authorities on Monday about 11pm (local time) after the alleged shooting in Elkmont, in the US state of Alabama, Limestone County sheriff's spokesman Stephen Young said.
The teen told arriving deputies he heard gunshots upstairs while he was in the basement and ran out the door, but he later confessed to being the one who pulled the trigger, Mr Young said.
"Upon being confronted with some of the inconsistencies, he did admit to shooting the five family members. All five were family members and all five lived in the residence," the police spokesman said.
The suspect's 6-month-old brother, 5-year-old sister and 6-year-old brother were among the victims.
The adult victims were identified as the 38-year-old father of the suspect and the teen's 35-year-old stepmother.
Authorities did not describe any possible motive. They did not release the teen's name due to his age.
Teen could face adult murder charges
The 14-year-old has been charged with five juvenile counts of murder, according to CNN, and is being held in a juvenile detention facility.
Mr Young said he could face adult charges, including capital murder.
"This is a community that has a lot of healing to do right now," Mr Young told reporters.
The slayings rocked the quiet community of Elkmont, northwest of Huntsville and not far from the Alabama-Tennessee border.
"It's an absolutely terrible thing, and I can't wrap my arms around it," Elkmont Mayor Tracy Compton told The News Courier.
"Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the family, the school, the whole community. It's just unimaginable," the mayor, who lives near the house where the people were killed, said.
Mr Young told WHNT the 14-year-old attended Elkmont High School.
"Please be in prayer for our school and community. We will have extra counsellors at school today," Elkmont High School tweeted.
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