The family of a teen shot and killed by a friend told 6 News Monday they don't want him to spend time in jail.

The 18-year-old is facing charges for the December death of 16-year-old Jesse McElhinney, but prosecutors and the family agree that incarceration won't bring Jesse back.

"God says to forgive, not to forget, but you can forgive," said Beverly Sprankle, McElhinney's grandmother. "And we forgive the boy who did this."

McElhinney and his brother Kenneth have lived with their grandparents in Altoona for about 10 years. The Sprankles told 6 News that people are shocked to see the way they're reacting to Jesse's death and asking that his alleged killer stay out of jail. They said it's the only way they know how to cope.

"It's a shame it happened. We can't stop things that happen," said Dean Sprankle, McElhinney's grandfather. "It was an accident and that's the way I'm going to look at it because it wasn't meant to be."

Now nearly a month later, police agree, saying there's not enough evidence to suggest it was intentional. The Blair County District Attorney's Office is charging the alleged shooter, who was 17 at the time, with involuntary manslaughter.

"They have to give the boy something, but when I went to talk to them, they said he wouldn't go to jail," said Dean Sprankle. "I don't think that would be a good place for him."

"Why should we go and do bad things to him and make him go to jail when his life is already ruined?" said Beverly Sprankle. "We love him, too."

The Sprankles said they know Jesse is never coming back but they hope that one day his best bud, the boy who allegedly took his life, will.

"I hope they help him and don't let him go down the wrong path," said Dean Sprankle.

"I miss my grandson totally. He was my baby boy," said Beverly Sprankle. "But the other boy is still alive and we can help him. There's no reason for his family to lose him also ... Or us, as a matter of fact." 

The alleged shooter is now 18, but the Blair County District Attorney's Office said he'll be charged as a juvenile, facing a judge within 60 days. The Sprankles said they'll be there to do the same and ask for leniency when it comes to punishment.