The suspect held for the murder of 11-year-old boy in Rema, St Andrew is to be charged for the killing before the end of the week.

He reportedly told authorities that he accidentally shot the boy.

Reports are that at about 9:30pm on Sunday, the boy, Michael Keating and his family were home when a lone gunman entered the yard and opened fire. The man later fled the scene.

Keating was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police say the male suspect was held on Tuesday in St Mary, two days after the incident.

Police sources said when he was held the suspect reportedly told authorities that he accidentally shot the boy.