Ohio & Mahoning Valley - Reports out of Virginia said the six-year-old boy who allegedly shot his teacher is most likely not going to be charged because of his age. 

You may wonder if a child as young as six could be charged here in Ohio, and the answer is yes. 

Just like Virginia, Ohio is one of 24 other states where there are now lower age limits for prosecution, but the Mahoning County Juvenile Court said it is unlikely a child is charged for a crime like this.

Juvenile Judge Theresa Dellick and Prosecuting Attorney Anissa Modarelli said in order to charge a child for any crime, they need to be deemed competent through evaluations. On top of that, the prosecutor is going to have to decipher whether the child is fully-responsible based on a lot of circumstantial factors like potential trauma or their parental situation, while also proving the adolescent's intent.

"Do I know that this is what this child intended to do?" Modarelli said, "Even if I believe it, can I prove it beyond a reasonable doubt?"

Even if a child is charged, Dellick said children cannot be jailed in a juvenile center until they are 12.

"Generally if we're looking at anyone below the age of 12, it gives me pause," Modarelli added.

However, once a child is 11, they are presumed competent.

Prosecutors said although it's very circumstantial, it's more likely a parent would face charges in a case like Virginia, but there is no question if a child commits a crime, whether they're charged or not, there are steps taken to "habilitate" such as living in a residential treatment facility and receiving welfare checks for years to come.

Juveniles cannot be tried as adults unless they are at least 14 when they commit a crime.