Two people died today in apparent gun accidents.
In Goodlettsville, Tennessee, police found 8-year old Brayden Bowling in his home, suffering from an apparent accidental gunshot wound. No specifics of the incident have been reported, including whether the boy found a loaded gun and shot himself. Brayden later died at the hospital.
The principal of Madison Creek Elementary School issued a statement that said: “Please join me in praying for the Bowling family as they grieve the tragic loss of 8-year-old Brayden. He was full of energy and a friend to so many a MCE. What a blessing it was to see him every morning at breakfast, where I would pretend to steal his food just to see his smile light up the cafeteria. Brayden left his family and our campus far too early. Rest in peace young man. You are already missed.”
In Clarksburg, West Virginia, Brandon Butler was showing his friend a “black and purple .380 caliber pistol” when it accidentally fired and killed the other man, Marcus Barnett. Butler told police that “he removed the pistol from his pants pocket and was going to secure it while inside the house,” however, Butler said that Barnett “asked him to see the firearm.” According to the police complaint, Butler’s finger was on the trigger as he handed the gun to Barnett and it went off.
Butler has been charged with being a former felon in illegal possession of a firearm.
Sources:
Rebekah Hammonds, “8-year-old Boy Dies in Accidental Shooting in Goodlettsville,” newschannel 5 (July 7, 2021).
“Fatal Clarksburg Shooting Ruled as Accidental According to Criminal Complaint Filed by Police,” 12 WBOY (July 8, 2021).