Boy Scout Shoot Dead at Camp: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Fiesta Island boy scout shooting

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A 12-year-old boy was shot and killed Monday morning at a San Diego Boy Scout camp, cops said. The boy’s death was originally called a suicide by cops but an official cause of death is being conducted to determine cause of death. The boy’s name has not yet been released.

The shooting took place Monday morning at Fiesta Island.

Here’s what you need to know about the developing story:

1. Cops Originally Said it Was Suicide

NBC San Diego reports the boy’s death may not have been a suicide, after cops said the boy may have been shot more than once in the torso. Cops originally said the boy was shot in the head. Until the bullet’s trajectory is determined, investigators said they won’t be able to say if the shooting was a suicide. Investigators said there were no witnesses to the shooting. The boy was pronounced dead at the campsite, with original reports saying he was alive while being transported from the campsite to a hospital. According to NBC San Diego, an autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.


2. Fiesta Island Is a Boy Scout Camp

Camp Fiesta Island is located on San Diego’s Mission Bay and features several aquatic activities for campers including kayaking, surfing and sailing. The camp is open for eight weeks total, with each session lasting one week.


3. Police Found the Gun on Camp Grounds

Cops say the boy was alive at 7:49 a.m. PST, after shooting himself. Police had removed the gun after it was found in a tent on camp grounds. The remaining campers gathered in the center of the camp around 9 a.m. but it is not known what they were told.


4. Camp Is Continuing as Usual

According to NBC LA, parents have not been told to pick their children up from camp and the day will continue as scheduled. Cops said they will not release information about the incident until their investigation is complete.


5. There’s No Firearms Program at the Camp

According to NBC LA, a camp counselor who had come to talk to parents gathered at the camp’s entrance would not discuss reports of a shooting with reporters, but did confirm Camp Fiesta Island does not offer a firearms course.