TOWN OF GENEVA, Wis. — An 8-year-old boy was fatally shot in the Town of Geneva on Monday and a 52-year-old man was arrested in connection with his death, according to the Town of Geneva Police Department.
In a news release, police say officers responded to a report of a "young male" who had been shot just before 2:30 a.m. Monday.
The boy was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
Watch: What we know about the fatal shooting of a young boy in the Town of Geneva:
Steven Merkel Jr., 52, was arrested on charges of first degree reckless homicide, police say.
Typically, it is TMJ4's policy not to name suspects until they have been charged, however since the Town of Geneva Police Department named the suspect and he has appeared in court, TMJ4 has made the decision to name him before he is officially charged. Those charges are expected on Thursday, where Merkel is next expected in court.
The Town of Geneva Police Department says it is working with the Walworth County Sheriff's Office on the investigation.
"Our family is heartbroken. I want to try to help this family in any way that I can," a GoFundMe organized to support the boy's family says.
The organizer of the GoFundMe described the 8-year-old as a "bright, funny boy."
You can contribute to the GoFundMe here.
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