Police: 4-year-old Solomon Jordan Smith died from self-inflicted gunshot wound; mother arrested

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police said Monday, October 3rd the four-year-old boy who died following a shooting inside a home near N. 15th and North on Friday, September 30th, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Police say the 21-year-old mother of the boy was arrested and booked -- accused of leaving a firearm near a child. She was released and ordered into the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office next week to have the charge reviewed.

The four-year-old boy, identified as Solomon Jordan Smith, was shot and killed inside a home near 15th and North on Friday, September 30th.

It was initially unclear the circumstances surrounding the shooting, particularly who fired the gun.

On Monday, October 3rd police revealed it is believed Smith shot himself.

4-year-old boy shot inside home near N. 15th and North

Smith's family members and friends gathered for an emotional vigil on Sunday, October 2nd, to remember the young life lost.

"He was a beautiful child. Everybody is devastated at this time," Rufus Woods, the four-year-old boy's step great-grandfather said.

Among the crowd gathered to honor the boy's life on Sunday was Lynne Hines-Levy -- a member of the Salvation Army and Milwaukee Police Department's Chaplaincy Program.

"I`ve spoken with both sides of the family a number of times since Friday. Some of us didn`t leave here until very late Friday night," Hines-Levy said.

Hines-Levy offered the boy's parents a shoulder to cry on.

"No one is ever prepared for this. No one is ever prepared to lose a child. No parent should ever be expected to lose a child," Hines-Levy said.

Photos in front of the home Sunday showed Jordan during happier times, moments Woods said he wishes could've been shared beyond four short years.

The photos also served as a reminder of the comfort family and strangers can give each other during their time of grief.

"To have people running away from it does not help. As long as some of us can run in and give them support -- hopefully we can bring peace back to the city and to the families hurting that badly," Hines-Levy said.

The family is looking to establish a memorial fund for Jordan. We'll pass that information along when it's made available.