At least three children were victims of gun accidents today; two were killed and one was wounded.  The accidents occurred in Georgia, California and Ohio.

Five-year old Jada Willingham was killed in Lithonia, Georgia after being shot by another child who found a gun in her home.  Police arrested 35-year old Chad Brooks, Sr. whose loaded gun was found and used to shoot Jada in the face.  Brooks was charged with second degree murder and cruelty to children. 

The shooter was another five year old — Jada’s long-time playmate. “I only pulled (the trigger) back a little bit,” the child explained. Brooks was arrested for leaving the gun unattended.

“Even … grown men feel sad and want to cry when they see things like this,” a police officer said.  “Her life didn’t get to start yet. Her life didn’t even start,” a neighbor added.

In Bell Gardens, California, two boys were “messing around” with a loaded handgun when it went off.  The boys were 16 and 17.  The 17-year old was pronounced dead at the scene.

And, for the second time in three days, a Columbus, Ohio area child was shot in a gun accident.  A nine-year old was shot in the head by his 14-year old brother while they were handling a gun. The victim is expected to survive. Police are working to determine how they got a gun.

Sources:

Eric Perry, “Man Charged in Deadly Shooting of Young Girl in Lithonia Home,” Fox 5 (December 5, 2020).

Asia Simone Burns, “5-year-old Killed in Lithonia Home was Shot by Playmate, Police Say,” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (December 8, 2020).

“Two Boys Play with Gun in Bell Gardens; One Shot to Death,” My News LA (December 5, 2020).

“Police: 9-year-old Accidentally Shot by 14-year-old Brother at Columbus Home,” 10 WBNS (December 5, 2020).