Indiana

Boy, 13, Shot Nine Times for Laughing About Neighbor's Burglary, Father Says

Kobe Jones was killed Friday afternoon outside his home on the 1000 block of Polk Street in Gary

A Gary, Indiana, boy was killed Friday after being shot nine times by a neighbor whose home was burglarized earlier in the day, police said.

The 13-year-old boy, Kobe Jones, was reportedly laughing about the home invasion after his neighbor created a scene outside the home on the 1000 block of Polk Street.

Police said the home was burglarized at about 12:30 p.m. Friday. The homeowner and his girlfriend returned home about five hours later and was visibly upset about the discovery, police said.

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"I was told that my son was laughing and the guy shot him dead," Jones' father, Kaunda Jones, told reporters.

The teen, one of 12 siblings and described as a funny, outgoing young man, died at the scene and his death was ruled a homicide. Family members said the unexpected funeral would be a financial burden and have created an account to collect donations. Contributions can be sent in the form of a check or a money order to 505 Adams St., Gary, IN 46402 or the Chase account 3005774699.

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The neighbor and his girlfriend took off after the shooting and were arrested at about 7 p.m. when they returned to the home, police said. Their names were not publicly released because no charges had been filed by midday Saturday.

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