Phoenix police were investigating the west Phoenix home where a mother found her 10-year-old daughter shot Wednesday.

The mother called 911 before 11 a.m. after she reportedly returned from errands and found her daughter, Mallorie Richardson, unresponsive and apparently shot, said Det. Bob Ragsdale, a spokesman for Phoenix police.

Mallorie was left alone at the home near 43rd Avenue and Osborn Road, Ragsdale said.

She was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Police found a handgun in the home and are running tests to determine if it was involved in the death, Ragsdale said.

The parents were questioned, but no one was in custody Wednesday night.

Erica Gates, 16, who lives near the girl’s home, said the neighborhood is normally quiet, with speeding cars the biggest problem.

“We’re just a little scared,” said her friend April Burns, also 16.

Both met the girl and said she was friendly but they did not know her well.

Police had no further information.

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