Mother says child was killed by friend

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - The mother of 12-year-old Carolyn Walker wants to know why the 13-year-old boy who shot her daughter was carrying a gun.

Chesapeake police charged the boy with manslaughter Wednesday for Walker's death. Police will not explain why the teen was charged with manslaughter instead of involuntary manslaughter.

Police were called to the Owens Village Apartment Complex on Geneva Avenue around 5 p.m. Tuesday after receiving calls about a young girl suffering from a gunshot wound. Walker was pronounced dead at the scene.

Family and friends brought stuffed animals, balloons and prayers to the crime scene Wednesday. Carolyn's mother, Lisa Walker, was among the visitors.

"All I can do is forgive the child," Lisa said. "I know that mother is going through some things herself, knowing that her child will be accountable for these actions."

Lisa Walker says detectives told her Carolyn was shot in the head during a game of 'Russian Roulette'.

"He shot it up to his head and then he shot it to her head," Walker explained.

Walker says the two children were friends. Her goal is to find out who gave the boy a gun.

WAVY.com posed the question to the suspect's grandmother Wednesday afternoon.

"I don't know where it came from," the boy's grandmother said. "I'm concerned about it myself."

Walker was a sixth grade student at Deep Creek Middle School. Neighbors say the suspect was also a student there.

"I just can't believe it," said Tyra Young, the victim's teacher. "She was a beautiful young lady. I used to call her Rapunzel. She had the most beautiful, long, pretty hair."

Walker's family watched a slideshow on the girl's computer Wednesday. The family told WAVY.com Carolyn enjoyed laughing, dressing up and roller skating with friends.

"It's just heartbreaking," Young added. "We teach them day after day about this kind of stuff. To see them come out and do it knowing what the consequences are, it's just heartbreaking."

The boy is currently being detained at Chesapeake Juvenile Services.

Lisa Walker believes Carolyn was taken for a purpose.

"I know that she is looking down on me saying 'Momma, just hold on Momma. I know you're going to be alright Mommy. Hold on.'"

Stay with WAVY.com for more on this developing story.