A 9-year-old boy who accidentally shot and seriously wounded a classmate in a Bremerton elementary school has written a letter apologizing to the little girl.

The letter written on ruled schoolbook paper says: "I'm sorry I hurt you because I brought a gun to school.... I wish everyone was okay."

The letter was part of the boy's sentencing when he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges stemming from the Feb. 22 shooting. His classmate, Amina Kocer-Bowman, was released from a hospital Tuesday. She nearly died after a.45-caliber handgun in the boy's backpack went off when he dropped his backpack on a desk.

The Kitsap County prosecutor has charged his mother and her boyfriend with felony assault, saying they negligently allowed the boy access to the gun. They have pleaded not guilty.