Police arrest adult in shooting death of a 5-year-old NJ boy by 6-year-old relative

Police arrest adult in NJ child shooting death

PATERSON, N.J. — Police have arrested a 23-year-old man they say left an illegal, loaded handgun in the bedroom he shared with a 5-year-old child.

The child was accidentally shot and killed by a 6-year-old relative after the two boys discovered the gun while playing.

Jalik Jones was charged Monday with reckless manslaughter and firearms violations.

Five-year-old Daron Mayes was shot in the back of the head around 8:20 p.m. Sunday in his Paterson home.

Chief Assistant Passaic County Prosecutor John Latoracca says the 6-year-old was playing with Mayes when the pair found the gun.

Authorities have not specified how Jones was related to the boys.