AUBURN, N.Y. -- Auburn Police have charged a 10-year-old for killing a duckling in Hoopes Park last month.

Following an investigation, detectives were able to find three children who were involved in the incident. Detectives say they have enough evidence to charge one of the children for throwing stones at a group of ducks. A duckling was killed, and no one has seen the mother duck since.

The child has been charged with cruelty to animals and will be tried in family court.

Investigators say the circumstances of the case have made the result bittersweet.

"It does feel good to know we have the kids responsible but it’s also a sad feeling to know that kids would actually do this," Lieutenant Shawn Butler said.

The surviving ducklings are being cared for by the DEC.