Henry County authorities say a 14-year-old accidentally shot and killed his 15-year-old brother with their mother’s handgun early Saturday morning.

First responders were dispatched to Deer Trace Drive in McDonough just before 3 a.m.

Authorities said the brothers, along with their friend who was spending the night at the home, had been in possession of the handgun, which at that time had been unloaded. During the course of the evening and early-morning hours, one of the boys had loaded the gun.

The 14-year-old at some point aimed the weapon at his brother and pulled the trigger, which resulted in the 15-year-old being struck in the chest area. The victim was pronounced deceased.

This incident has been ruled as accidental.

The case is under investigation.