SYRACUSE -- A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in a sniper-style slaying after Syracuse police learned his friend falsely confessed to the crime.

Police say 16-year-old Ja-Le Johnson originally gave a statement admitting he shot 47-year-old Casimir Snyder on Jan. 4.

But they're now charging Shawn Rhines with killing the city public works employee.

Police say Johnson intentionally misled authorities in a test of loyalty to see if his friend would step forward or let him take the blame.

Police say the buddies would hang out in the attic of Johnson's brother's house and target practice with their rifles. They started by shooting at objects, then squirrels and rabbits.

Rhines was arraigned Tuesday on a second-degree murder charge. His lawyer had no immediate comment.