Authorities in Essex County are looking into a shooting incident where a young boy lost his life at an address in Newark's South Ward late Sunday night.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office is leading the investigation into the incident that occurred in the 100 block of Schuyler Avenue around 10:25 p.m.
Police responded to reports of shots fired inside the residence and when they arrived, officers found the boy suffering massive head and mouth injuries resulting from gunfire.
The prosecutor's office confirmed that the boy was 8-years-old and would only say that the investigation is in its early stages at this time.
Authorities believe that the child found a weapon then shot himself.
It is unclear how the boy obtained the gun and the circumstances behind the incident are being investigated.
Police said there were no other injuries reported.