LAKE GENEVA, Wisc. — The man charged in the deadly shooting of an 8-year-old Brookfield boy was playing with a handgun at the time to “look cool,” court documents allege. Steven Merkel, 52 ...

The incident happened at a residence in Geneva, about 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee. Steven Merkel faces up to 60 years in prison, with potential sentence enhancement for using a dangerous weapon.

Police did not provide additional information about the shooting but said 52-year-old Steven Merkel Jr. was charged with first-degree reckless homicide.

When police arrived the boy’s stepfather, Steven Merkel Jr., told them: “I did something stupid,” according to the complaint against him that was obtained by local media.

Authorities said Steven Merkel Jr., 52, was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree reckless homicide after the shooting victim died at the hospital.

LAKE GENEVA, Wisc. — The man charged in the deadly shooting of an 8-year-old Brookfield boy was playing with a handgun at the time to “look cool,” court documents allege. Steven Merkel, 52 ...

Police did not provide additional information about the shooting but said 52-year-old Steven Merkel Jr. was charged with first-degree reckless homicide.

Authorities said Steven Merkel Jr., 52, was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree reckless homicide after the shooting victim died at the hospital.