It happened around 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at a home in the 300 block of Chestnut Street in Royersford, Pa.
Jim Longacre was inside his Royersford home when a knock on the door changed everything. There, a frantic little boy told him his younger brother-- 4-year-old Michael DeSantis -- had accidentally shot himself.
DeSantis was taken to Pottstown Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.Police have little to say about what happened in the moments before the shooting. However, sources indicate the evidence backs up what Michael's brother told neighbors: Michael somehow got a hold of the loaded weapon (since seized by police) and accidentally discharged it.
An autopsy will be performed on Thursday.
Neighbors say the boy was naturally curious, loved to fish with his family and his loss is being felt by everyone on his tightknit block.
"It's sad, to see a four year old go. It's ridiculous. They've got three other kids that are suffering because they lost their younger brother," said family friend Tyler Mohn.
Royersford Police and the Montgomery County District Attorney's office are investigating.
