7-year-old boy killed in Lancaster identified as Eli Thomas amid shooting investigation

LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC) — The 7-year-old boy who was shot and killed at a Lancaster home has been identified as authorities investigate the incident.

Eli Thomas was visiting a friend’s house on Dahlia Street Thursday evening when he was shot, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He died on the spot.

The county medical examiner’s department said Thomas died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Authorities are now trying to determine whether it was a homicide or an accident. No arrests were made and the sheriff’s department initially said no foul play was suspected.

The circumstances of the shooting remain unknown.

Investigators are still conducting interviews, but a firearm was recovered at the scene.