In Elk Creek, Missouri, children playing outdoors got access to a rifle from inside a parked vehicle.  A nine-year old was shot and killed by a younger sibling in the incident.

“With the age of the child we are talking about I don’t think they can fully grasp the consequences of what has happened,” the local Sheriff said.  “You know it’s a terrible tragedy for anybody that is involved in this and the family is mourning the loss and they are quite upset.”

A child fatality review panel will examine the circumstances of the death. The panel consists of members of law enforcement, the prosecuting attorney’s office, the coroner, the children’s division, the health department, the juvenile office, and emergency medical services.

Missouri has no safe storage law.

Source:

“Texas County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Tragic Accidental Shooting Death of Child,” KY3 (March 24, 2021).