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Gun That Killed Goldsboro Boy Was Stolen

Police on Tuesday said the .45-caliber handgun involved in the accidental shooting of an 8-year-old boy last week had been reported stolen a year ago.

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GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Police on Tuesday said the handgun involved in the accidental shooting death of an 8-year-old boy last week was reported stolen a year ago.

Andre Wilder and his 12-year-old brother found the .45-caliber gun in the woods near their home, police said. Andre was playing with it at the family's home on July 17, and the gun went off as his brother tried to take it away from him for his own protection, police said.

Andre died later at Wayne Memorial Hospital from a single gunshot to his face.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives traced the gun to its former owner, who had reported last year that it was stolen from a vehicle parked outside a Wal-Mart in Goldsboro.

Police said they haven't matched the gun to any crimes.

Shenita Wilder-Dancy, the boys' mother, said people have been using the area around her rural home as a dumping ground. She said she believes Andre found the gun and thought it was a toy.

No charges are expected to be filed in the case, police said.

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