CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - The most recent gun tested in the investigation into who shot seven-year-old Brendon Mackey does not match the weapon used in the July 4, 2013 shooting, according to Chesterfield Police.
"We have received the lab results for the latest .40-caliber gun being tested in relation to the Brendon Mackey case. Like the other firearms that have been tested, the weapon is not a match," police spokeswoman Liz Caroon wrote in an email. "A total of eight firearms have been tested; there are no additional firearms at the lab at this point."
Last month Chesterfield Police told Mackey’s mother there was a person of interest in the case, mother Marie Harris confirmed. At a press conference that same week, police used the term “lead" in the case, not person of interest.
"As a reminder, we have not at any point had anyone in custody in relation to this case," Caroon wrote. "Investigators continue to seek information related to this case."
Harris told CBS 6 police told her there was a person of interest back in 2013 who would not turn over his gun for testing. She said police arrested that man in April on an unrelated firearm charge.
Mackey was shot and killed by a stray bullet while he and his father walked to see July Fourth fireworks at Sunday Park in Midlothian.
Police said they believed Mackey was hit a celebratory gunshot and was not intentionally targeted.
"You hope every day that it will be solved," Harris told CBS 6 senior reporter Wayne Covil Friday. "I want the person to be found, I just don't have high hopes for it. But I would really hope the person will be found one day just for closure."
Harris said she often visits her son's grave and finds solace when she discovers anonymous tributes left at her son's grave. She said the fact that people are still thinking about her son and taking the time to come to his gravesite means lot.
Meanwhile, police continue to follow leads and search for a suspect. However, retired Chesterfield Police Captain Steve Neal said the likelihood is low that police will find Brendon's killer.
"The reality of the situation is that it's going to be a very small chance of them ever identifying who this individual is and ever actually bringing criminal charges against anybody."
If you have information that could help Chesterfield police, please call Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.
