The 12-year-old boy allegedly shot by his 16-year-old cousin over the weekend remains in critical condition, according to Lake Charles police.  The fate of the alleged shooter, meanwhile, also remains in the air.

Lake Charles Deputy Police Chief Mark Kraus stated in a press release that the district attorney's office will now have to determine what to do with the 16-year-old boy.  He's been charged with aggravated battery and illegal use of dangerous instrumentality.  There remains the question of whether or not the shooting was intentional.  The victim's family members told KPLC-TV earlier this week that the shooting was an accident.  The 16-year-old boy was placed in a juvenile detention center over the weekend.  Kraus said he was unsure at the time of the press release whether or not the boy had bonded out.

The good news is that despite the 12-year-old victim's medical condition, he has been improving.  The child was shot in the back and at last report was facing possible paralysis.

More From Gator 99.5