An Alabama community has been left in shock and mourning after a 14-year-old boy was accused of fatally shooting his 17-year-old brother, and it has now been revealed that the suspect had a "hit list" of other family members he wanted to kill. The tragic incident occurred at the family's home in Monticello, Pike County, and was discovered by the boys' father, who had returned home on Monday evening to find his older son missing.

The father, who had not reported his son's disappearance to law enforcement, became worried when his younger son called him from school on Tuesday, asking to be picked up because he was upset about his brother's absence. After returning home, the father and his 14-year-old son began searching for the missing teenager. Tragically, the father stumbled upon his older son's lifeless body about 60 yards behind their house.

Authorities were alerted to the disturbing comments made by the 14-year-old suspect when he confided in a friend at school, allegedly telling him that he had killed his “missing” brother. The friend immediately reported the conversation to a teacher, prompting an investigation by the Pike County Sheriff's Office. During this investigation, law enforcement discovered a hit list in the suspect's bookbag, outlining his intention to kill other family members.

Sheriff Russell Thomas held a press conference to provide further details on the case, stating that the 14-year-old admitted to shooting his brother. According to the sheriff's office, the older brother managed to stagger out of the house after being shot before collapsing at the bottom of the steps. The suspect then dragged the body into the woods behind their property.

The identity of the 14-year-old has not been released, but he has been arrested in connection with the death of his brother. Although it remains unclear if he will be charged as a minor or an adult, NBC affiliate WSFA has reported that he has been charged with murder. The suspect's motive for the shooting is still unknown.

The Pike County School District has been proactive in responding to the incident, immediately removing the 14-year-old from Pike County High School after being made aware of the alarming and threatening statements he had made. The district emphasized that there is no evidence of any threat to school campuses, but they have requested increased security measures from law enforcement.

Sheriff Thomas expressed gratitude that the situation did not result in further casualties, highlighting the community's luck in avoiding a potentially larger tragedy. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover more details about what led up to the devastating shooting.