BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- A teenage boy who was shot in the jaw on a basketball court in the 100 block of Chalkville Manor Drive on March 11 was not shot by an unknown assailant who fled the scene, as Jefferson County sheriff's deputies were told at the time.

Instead, he was shot accidentally by a friend while they were handling a gun, according to the JCSO in a news release today.

Earlier this week, the teen male friend of the victim contacted detectives and told them that he and the victim had been playing with a gun when it went off and a round struck the victim. He said that he got scared and hid the gun.

Accompanied by his mother, he took deputies to where the gun was hidden. It has been recovered.

The case will be presented to the District Attorney's Office for review.

Check AL.com for updates.

For more news from Birmingham, go to