In Harvest, Alabama, five-year old Maxton Hughes, the son of a Huntsville police officer, apparently found a gun in the family car and accidentally shot himself in the head.  A parent found the child and drove him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.  An investigation is ongoing but no charges are expected.

“This is a tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,” the Sheriff said.

The state’s Child Death Review Team will look into the accidental shooting. The review team that investigates the case is made up of local and state experts. The team identifies trends that put children at risk with the goal of preventing further tragedies.

Sources:

Ashley Thusius, “Madison County Sheriff’s Office Says No Charges Expected After 5-year-old Shot Himself in Driveway,” WAAY 31 ABC (February 3, 2020).

“Five-year-old Identified in Accidental Shooting,” WAFF48 (February 5, 2020).