Boy, 10, 'Shoots Dead His Neo-Nazi Father'

A 10-year-old boy has been charged with murdering his neo-Nazi father after he was gunned down at his home in California.

Jeff Hall, 32, died early on Sunday from a single gunshot wound in the house he shared with his five children.

His son appeared at Riverside County juvenile court on Wednesday and was charged with murder involving the use of a gun.

Authorities in southern California claim the boy, who has not been named because of his age, intentionally shot his father, but have not given any motive.

The 10-year-old was handcuffed when he appeared for the brief court hearing. He entered no plea and his detention hearing was postponed to May 18.

He is being kept in juvenile custody. His four siblings have now been taken into protective custody.

The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported police were called at 4.04am on Sunday to the family's home, which overlooks the University of California.

Riverside police spokesman Ed Blevins said the shooting was 'an intentional act' but would not release any more details.

Mr Hall was a regional leader of the National Socialist Movement, which promotes white separatism.

He lost a bid last November to replace incumbent Tom Evans of the Western Riverside Municipal Water District board.

The National Socialist Movement spokesman Charles Wilson refused to comment on his death.

A neighbour told the Press-Enterprise Mr Hall had been an intimidating presence in the neighbourhood.

Juan Trejo described a Halloween party last year when he flew a swastika flag from the house and guests wore KKK hoods.

"Honestly, I feel like it's over," said Mr Trejo, who lives across the street from Mr Hall's home.

"It was scary here. Hopefully we'll never see any of them again."