A Covington, Virginia three-year old found a gun in his home and shot himself to death.  His grandfather acknowledged that the gun was his, but told police it was hidden under some clothes. The boy died at the hospital after being airlifted to a trauma center. According to the news report investigators are “searching for signs of child abuse and neglect,” but no charges have been filed.

“It’s very heartbreaking, especially if you have kids of your own. And I can’t even imagine what the parents and the family of this child are going through right now,” said a law enforcement official. “Keep the family in [your] thoughts and prayers.”

Source:

Jeff Williamson, Sydney Jaxtheimer, “Grandfather of 3-year-old Boy Shot in Alleghany County Believed his Gun was Hidden Under Clothes, Warrant Shows,” wsls.com (December 1, 2021).