A 12 year-old Valdosta, Georgia boy is dead and a 16-year old has been arrested after the two stole five guns from vehicles over the course of a single night.  The two boys were apparently playing with their recently stolen guns when one of them went off while being held by the 16-year old.  The 12-year old was shot in the head and killed.  The older boy is charged with murder and other crimes.  No word on whether local residents who left loaded guns unsecured in their cars will also be charged.

“We are saddened by this tragic event that should not have happened. Our thoughts are with these two families whose lives have been changed forever in just a couple of seconds. I am proud of the dedicated work by our officers and detectives who continued to stay focused in light of the tragedy,” the local police chief said in a statement.

 In Taylor, Michigan, a four-year old was struck by shotgun pellets after an uncle accidentally fired a shell in an upstairs apartment.  The family initially misled police about what had happened.  The toddler is expected to survive.

Sources:

Dean Poling, “Child Shot to Death in Valdosta; Teen Charged with Murder,” Valdosta Daily Times (May 4, 2022).

Jessica Dupnack, “Police: 4-year-old Struck After Uncle Accidentally Shoots Through Floor of Taylor Home,” Fox 2 Detroit (May 4, 2022).