Boy, 4, dies after adult brother allegedly throws him off roof of 7-story apartment building

Police said a 4-year-old boy in New York City died early Saturday after his adult brother threw him off the roof of their seven-story apartment building.

Per The New York Times, Shawn Smith, 20, was charged with second-degree murder after approaching officers at 3:30 a.m. and telling them, “My brother may be hurt. He might be dead.” From there, he reportedly told officers that he would reveal more once they took him to the scene.

The boy, who local outlets have identified as Shimron Smith, was pronounced dead in the rear courtyard of the Brooklyn apartment building. While a motive is not yet known, neighbors told WBCS that Shawn was known to have mental health issues.

“He just walked around. Never really spoke to nobody,” resident Lisa Rozner told the news station.

”They say he had schizophrenia, so I guess that got the best of him.”

Police said they have surveillance footage showing Shawn carrying the 4-year-old to the roof, according to The Times. WNBC reported that the medical examiner determined he died from multiple blunt force trauma injuries and ruled his death a homicide.

Reporters asked Shawn if he meant to hurt his brother—to which he said “not really” with what appeared to be a grin on his face, according to the news station.

His family said Shimron was the youngest of six children and that Shawn had moved in less than a year ago from Guyana.

 

This is a developing story. Be sure to check back with CrimeOnline for updates as they become available. 

[Featured image: Shirmon Smith/WCBS video screengrab]