Two children were accidentally shot and killed by older siblings in their homes today. A third child, age 8, found a loaded gun in his home and shot himself.

A 12-year old Baton Rouge, Louisiana child was arrested and placed in juvenile detention after admitting that he accidentally shot and killed his four-year old sister.  He is charged with negligent homicide.  “Local officials weighed in on the shooting, calling it a sobering reminder about gun safety.”

In Michigan, the Kalhaska County Sheriff’s Office announced that “eight children between the ages of 5 and 15 were at … home near Mancelona, when somehow, a gun went off.”  The five-year old child was struck in the head and killed.  “My heart goes out to obviously the victim, his family, all those kids that were in the trailer. Because what a horrific thing to have to experience and be a part of,” the Sheriff said.  The children are being interviewed to determine what happened.

The third shooting occurred in Roanoke, Virginia, where 8-year old Camden Brown found a loaded gun and shot himself to death.  “Just make sure y’all keep y’all’s guns out of kids’ reach. Make sure they’re not just laying around. Because this is one of the toughest things that you’ll ever — that you ever could imagine to go through,” said Camden’s aunt.  The boy’s shooting has prompted a local push for distribution and use of gun locks.

Sources:

“4-year-old Dies After Being Accidentally Shot by 12-year-old Brother, EBRSO Says,” The Advocate (August 3, 2021).

Bill Froehlich, Josh Monroe, “Investigation Continues into Shooting of Kalkaska County Boy,” 9and10News.com (August 3, 2021).

Lindsey Kennett, “‘Gun Locks Save Lives’: Death of 8-year-old Boy Sparks Renewed Push for Gun Safety in Roanoke,” 10 News (August 5, 2021).