Boy charged in Viertola school shooting after allegedly taking firearm from relative’s cabinet in Finland

A boy suspected in the Viertola school shooting allegedly took the firearm used in the incident from a locked gun cabinet belonging to a relative during Easter. The relative is now under investigation for violating firearm storage regulations. Police are considering charges against the relative for negligent storage of the weapon.

Following the shooting incident, the relative checked the gun cabinet after seeing news reports about the shooting. He discovered that the revolver was missing, despite the key being where it was supposed to be.

The investigation indicates that the boy, who was 12 years old at the time of the crime, is being scrutinized for murder and two attempted murders. Due to his young age, the case will not proceed to charges.

At the time of the incident, the boy was visiting the relative for Easter when he suggested they go shooting together. They had shot in larger groups previously, but this time the suspected boy wanted specifically to use a revolver. He watched as the relative retrieved the key from a drawer and opened the gun cabinet, a fact that only he knew.

After practicing shooting at a target, the boy managed to return the gun to the cabinet undetected. He later described himself holding the weapon. On the morning of the incident, he concealed the gun and ammunition in his clothing after first purchasing breakfast from a nearby store. He then went to school where he began shooting.