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Palm Harbor boy, 12, victim of accidental shooting, officials say

News Channel 8 photo by TODD DAVIS

Officials describe the injuries to Jacob Hunter Larson as life-threatening.

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TBO.com

Published: April 17, 2009

Updated: 04/17/2009 06:57 pm

PALM HARBOR - A 12-year-old boy found shot in the head today at his house appears to be the victim of an accidental shooting, authorities say.

Jacob Hunter Larson's stepfather found him at at 435 Laughing Gull Lane, and deputies responded to the scene at 11:22 a.m., Pinellas County sheriff's spokeswoman Cecilia Barreda said.

The sheriff's office says the boy appears to have shot himself in the head with a small-caliber handgun. Paramedics found the boy unconscious and breathing, according to a news release.

Paramedics airlifted Larson to Bayfront Medical Center about noon, where doctors stabilized him and transferred him to All Children's for further treatment.

All Children's Hospital says Jacob is in critical but stable condition tonight.

Neighbors say Jacob lives at the house with his mother and stepfather, whom they described as a loving couple. They described the boy as a quiet, well-mannered child.

Next-door neighbor Judy Byrne described Jacob as likeable and said her heart is broken for the family.

The boy's stepfather works nights and was not home at the time of the shooting, Byrne said. His mother was not home but arrived just as ambulances were taking the boy away.

Neighbors said the boy attended Palm Harbor Middle School and walked home every day.

News Channel 8 reporter Mark Douglas contributed to this report.

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