4-year-old Shoots 6-year-old: NJ Toddler Kills Playmate Brandon Holt with Rifle in Tragic Accident Amid Senate Gun Control Laws Debate [VIDEO]

Reports confirm that a four-year-old toddler from Toms River, NJ shot and killed his six-year-old playmate Brandon Holt in a tragic incident which occurred on Monday evening, April 8. Young Holt was shot in the head and promptly transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his wounds. It remains unknown how the unnamed four-year-old (who was unharmed during the accident) got hold of the firearm. This tragic event comes just days before the Senate is scheduled to meet and discuss the hotly-debated topic of gun control laws.

Police Chief Michael Mastronardy claims that the two playmates were playing outside the 4-year-old's home Monday night when the boy went inside and got hold of a .22-caliber rifle. He then shot his 6-year-old friend in the head from about 15 yards away - it remains unclear if the toddler pulled the trigger or if the rifle accidentally discharged.

The parents of the four-year-old boy were home at the time, and his mother promptly called the police. Holt was transported to a local hospital and remained in serious condition until around 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Ocean County prosecutor's office spokesman Al Della Fave confirmed Holt's death later on that day.

The incident took place in a small, Toms River neighborhood that residents describe as "very quite." The boys were friends as well as neighbors.

Prosecutor Joseph Coronato told reporters it was too early on in the investigation to know whether or not anyone would be charged in the shooting. He would not elaborate on who owned the gun or how the four-year-old got possession of it.

The Toms River community has been deeply affected by the tragic shooting of young Holt. Debi Coto, a neighbor who lives just a few houses down from where the incident occurred, said, "I'm sad for the children involved and their families, but I'm angry with whoever owns that gun and allowed a little child to get hold of it. A 4-year-old can't load a gun. I had just been telling my sister how nice it is to see kids playing together and enjoying themselves, and then this happens."

According to Coto, the mother of the four-year-old looked very upset and confused after the tragedy, as if she was trying to comprehend what had actually happened.

Police are still investigating.

Such tragedy comes amid gun control law debates in the wake of December's shocking Newtown, CT Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.

Thoughts and condolences go out to Holt's family and friends during this time of unfortunate sorrow.