SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (WTEN) - The 12-year-old boy who shot his 12-year-old friend admitted to holding the gun that killed him in Saratoga County Family Court on Thursday.
Police say 12-year-old Nicholas Naumkin was shot and killed by a friend, known as "John Doe" in court, just before Christmas 2010. "Doe" admitted to holding the gun that killed Naumkin at the time of the shooting.
The boys were playing with a gun that they found in "Doe's" home.
A plea agreement was reached in family court. "Doe" pleaded to second-degree reckless endangerment and possession of a weapon by a person under 16.
Yuri and Oksana Naumkin are somewhat pleased that the boy accused of shooting Nicholas, made those admissions in family court.
"We're happy with the fact that he finally manned up," said Oksana Naumkin. "He knew what he was doing was wrong. He didn't have to take it this far."
But, what happened on the night of December 22nd can't be erased and Nicholas' mom says it's time to move forward.
"Bottom line is, no matter what happens with these trials, nothing will bring my son or my father back," Oksana said. "But, if we can take a baby step, changing some laws so they're not so free."
The Naumkin's say they'd like to see all gun owners have liability insurance for their firearms, and take a required safety course every three years. They want that course to include family members of a gun owner, as well.
Yuri Naumkin would also want to see signs displayed at homes with guns to increase transparency.
"We're supposed to have a right to know who they are and they have a right to express it freely," said Yuri.
As the two look to find some positive out of Nicholas' death, they realize this is still the beginning of that journey.
"If they say that time heals, I guess we need a little bit more of it," said Yuri.
"Doe" will be in Saratoga Family Court next on September 14 for a dispositional hearing. Saratoga County Attorney Hugh Burke says he will possibly serve a year of probation, and cannot imagine a heavier punishment.
Nicholas Naumkin
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