Aaron Klingensmith, 14, Charged as Adult in Fatal Shooting of 12-Year-Old Girl in Clearfield County; District Attorney Ryan Sayers Seeks Justice in Tragic Case”.
A tragic shooting incident occurred on April 28 in Brady Township, Clearfield County, resulting in the loss of life of a 12-year-old girl. The shooting happened at around 7:30 p.m., and first responders were called to the scene to assist with a gunshot wound to the head. The girl was given medical aid and transported to Penn Highlands DuBois before being flown to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, where she was pronounced dead on May 1 at 8:28 a.m.
The investigation revealed that 14-year-old Aaron Klingensmith was responsible for the shooting. According to the complaint, Klingensmith was showing the girl his father’s 9mm handgun and asked, “Loaded or not loaded?” before pulling the trigger. The girl dropped to the floor, and Klingensmith went to tell his father, who claimed he kept the gun in the original gun case on top of the gun cabinet and never loaded a bullet in the chamber.
District Attorney Ryan Sayers has charged Klingensmith as an adult with multiple counts, including murder of the third degree, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and recklessly endangering another person. Sayers stated, “This is a heartbreaking and tragic shooting that occurred on Sunday evening in Brady Township. In the interest of justice, the difficult decision was made to charge this juvenile as an adult, instead of remaining in the juvenile system.”
The Pennsylvania State Police are being assisted by the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County Juvenile Probation, and the offices of Clearfield and Jefferson County Children and Youth Services in the investigation. Klingensmith’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 10 before Magisterial District Judge David Meholick.
The community is coming together to support the family and friends of the victim and to promote awareness and action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of responsible gun ownership and storage.
The investigation is ongoing, with the police working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
In the face of tragedy, the people of Clearfield County are coming together to support one another and honor the memory of the 12-year-old girl. May this incident serve as a catalyst for positive change and a reminder of the importance of community engagement and cooperation with law enforcement.
The fatal shooting in Clearfield County serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of our children and communities. The community is urged to come together to support one another and promote awareness and action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
