Teenager sentenced to 10 years after he shot, killed his cousin

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By Mandi Milligan - email

Charlie Oliver in 2011

DEKALB COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -

A DeKalb County judge sentenced a teenager to 10 years in prison after he shot and killed his 8-year-old cousin.

Charlie Oliver, 17, shot Solomon Zellner, with a 9 mm handgun in 2011.

"This was a senseless and reckless act that claimed the life of an innocent 8-year-old child," said DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James. "There are no winners in these types of situations. My heart and prayers are with the victim's family."

Oliver, who was 16 when he pulled the trigger, pleaded to a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter. He was originally charged with felony murder.

When the shooting happened, Oliver told CBS Atlanta News, "I love my family. That's my family. It was an accident."

Oliver will not receive first offender status for the crime.

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