Three children and an adult were killed in gun accidents today. The adult was shot to death by his two-year old child. 

Each of the news stories marking these deaths was brief:

In Ooltewah, Tennessee, Jermaine Vincent, a three-year old, found a gun that a family friend had brought to his home and fatally shot himself in the chest.  The friend was charged with various crimes including reckless homicide.

In Smyrna, Georgia, an 18-year old accidentally shot himself in the head at a gun range while practicing with a family member’s handgun. Police do not anticipate any charges. The range was open as “essential” despite coronavirus-related business closures. 

A 7-year-old girl was killed in a gun accident in Tate County, Mississippi.  Her family initially reported that an intruder came into the home and shot her before fleeing. However, an investigation revealed that the 7-year-old victim had been shot accidentally by her 12-year-old brother.  No charges have been filed.

Finally, in Jones Country Georgia, a two-year old found a gun and fired a round that killed her 28-year old father, Jason Fowler.

Sources:

“Suspect Arrested After 3-year-old Child Fatally Shot in Ooltewah,” 3 WRCBtv (April 24, 2020).

Chelsea Prince, “Teen Killed in Accidental Shooting at Smyrna Gun Range, Police Say,” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (April 24, 2020).

“DA: Child Killed in Tate County Accidental Shooting,” WMC5 (April 24, 2020).

“2-year-old Accidentally Shoots, Kills Father in Georgia,” 5 News (April 24, 2020).