PHILADELPHIA — A 12-year-old boy was shot and killed over the weekend while filming a music video with a group of teenagers and firearms inside a Philadelphia home, police said.
The victim, identified as Ethan Parker, was shot once with a handgun around 12:30 p.m. Saturday at a residence on the 1500 block of East Pastorius Street, according to Philadelphia Police. Officers responded to the scene and rushed Parker to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Authorities say the shooting occurred during the recording of a music video involving Parker and several older teens, with at least one firearm visible. “Footage of the music video is one of the key pieces of information that [authorities] are in possession of,” Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace said at a press briefing Sunday.
Investigators believe one of the teens present fired the shot that killed Parker. Officials have not released the names or ages of the others involved, and no charges had been announced as of Monday morning.
The exact circumstances of how the shooting happened—whether accidental or intentional—remain under investigation, according to police. The firearm used was recovered at the scene.
Police examining video footage in ongoing investigation
Pace noted that the video footage taken during the incident will be a critical part of the case. Authorities are working to identify all individuals present at the time of the shooting and determine how the firearm came into their possession.
The incident took place in a private home, but it’s unclear who owned or rented the property. Detectives are also examining how the children gained access to the residence and weapons.
Images of Parker shared by family on social media have drawn widespread attention, and several community members gathered outside the home over the weekend to express grief.
Police are urging anyone with additional footage or information to contact the Philadelphia Homicide Unit.
