DETROIT -- A 15-year-old boy was killed after being shot in the ear by his 18-year-old brother Tuesday morning on Detroit's east side, Local 4 reported.

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Police Question Why Teens Were Not In School

The two brothers and a third teenage brother were inside the family's home on Marlborough Street, near Jefferson, when the shooting occurred at about 9:45 a.m., Local 4 reported. Police said an argument led to the shooting.

The teenagers' mother was at work at the time of the shooting, the station reported.

Investigators are trying to determine why the boys were not in school, according to Detroit Police Deputy Chief James Tate.

"This just really brings to the forefront the issue of guns," said Tate.

Tate said adults need to learn how to "deprogram" children who think guns are "cool." He said that there is no reason the teenager should have had a weapon.

"A simple argument now turned into a fatality," said Tate.

The victim was transported to a hospital, where he later died, Local 4 learned.

The 18-year-old brother was taken into custody by Detroit police. The third brother, who apparently witnessed the shooting, was being questioned by police.

The names of the teenagers were not released.

Stay with Local 4 News and ClickOnDetroit.com for more information as it becomes available.