February 25, 2012 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of a juvenile at 13503 Northborough #1114 about 8:10 a.m. on Sunday (Feb. 24).

Marquiez Deshon Pratt (b/m, DOB: 6-17-92) is charged with injury to a child by omission and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in the 178th State District Court. He is charged for his role in the death of Jaiden Pratt, 4, of the above address.

A photo of suspect Pratt is attached to this news release.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant B. Harris and Senior Police Officer M. Waters II reported:

Jaiden Pratt was spending the weekend with his father (suspect Pratt) when the shooting occurred. The suspect had been sleeping on the couch. The young boy woke up and picked up his father's gun lying nearby and accidentally shot himself in the stomach. Officers arrived and found suspect Pratt carrying his son. Pratt handed his son to responding officers and then ran back to his apartment. Officers performed CPR while other officers pursued Pratt on foot. Officers arrested Pratt in his apartment where marijuana and crack cocaine were discovered. In addition, scales and other items used to sell drugs were inside the apartment.

The weapon the boy used was a stolen .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol taken in a burglary in 2011. Suspect Pratt was questioned by investigators and subsequently charged in the incident.

JFC/VHS 2-25-13
Inc #023331713