Ten-year-old 'killed mother with gift rifle'

Deborah McVay, 46, was found dead with a single gunshot wound to the head on Sunday.

Police were called to the house after a neighbour called them to say her son Joseph had gone to her home and said he had just shot his mother.

Another son, 21-year-old Josh Mike, said his mother was "a very loving lady" who ran her own home health care business and served the mentally disabled. He would not comment on the allegations against his brother.

Police said Mrs McVay also had a 15-year-old daughter who was staying with relatives. It was unclear whether she witnessed the shooting.

Joseph McVay was being held in juvenile custody after appearing in court to deny the shooting.

Police said he may have argued with his mother about whether to carry firewood into the home.