BURLINGTON, Colo.—A 12-year-old Colorado boy suspected of fatally shooting his parents and wounding his siblings looks normal and says he is being treated well at a youth detention center, his uncle said after a brief meeting with him.
Wally Long told ABC News that he met with the boy at the northern Colorado center on Tuesday. Wally Long is the brother of Charles Long, who was found dead last week in his home in Burlington, about 140 miles east of Denver and near the Kansas state line.
Charles Long’s wife, Marilyn, was also found shot to death March 1. Police said they discovered the attacks after the 12-year-old called 911 to report a shooting. The boy’s 5-year-old sister and 9-year-old brother were wounded in the attack. Wally Long said both are recovering at a Denver hospital.
At the request of the boy’s public defender and legal guardian, Long said he didn’t ask his nephew any details about the case.
“He said, ‘They’re taking care of me, but the food is terrible,'” Long said.
Long said he told the boy that he loved him and will continue to help him.
Prosecutors haven’t said what charges may have been filed, citing a gag order in the case. They haven’t decided whether to charge the boy as an adult or a juvenile. His name hasn’t been released and court documents have been sealed.
A week after the attacks, Long said he had heard nothing to suggest anything wrong in the home or saw any warning signs.
Charles and Marilyn Long, both in their early 50s, had seven children. Four are grown and no longer live at home.
Marilyn Long homeschooled her kids and ran the children’s ministry at the local Evangelical Free Church. Her husband served as a church elder and was a snack delivery driver.
The 12-year-old boy was a volunteer greeter at church.
“I still believe my brother and sister-in-law were good parents,” Long said.
Jacob Long, the couple’s oldest child, told The Denver Post that he never saw signs of violence in the home.
“I have heard a few rumors that this was brought on by abuse. That is absolutely untrue,” said the 25-year-old, who lives in Burlington.
He described his 12-year-old brother as “a loving and well behaved child.”
