MONTREAL - Crown prosecutors added five additional charges on Friday against the 12-year-old Montreal boy accused of shooting his 16-year-old brother in the head.

Prosecutors allege that the gun used in the death of the 16-year-old in January was also used in an armed robbery committed the same month.

Aside from charges of manslaughter and being in possession of a prohibited weapon, the 12-year-old is now facing an additional five charges, including armed robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. The Crown alleges that the 12-year-old committed the robbery with an accomplice.

The 16-year-old, who was shot at close range on Jan. 21, was pronounced dead soon after arriving at hospital.

Crown prosecutor Marie-Claude Bourassa said that the additional charges are more reason why the 12-year-old should not be released while he awaits trial.

"Regardless of age, the Criminal Code is clear," she said.

"When you commit an armed robbery ... knowing that the gun is loaded, it's one of the most serious crimes."