There were at least five gun accidents involving children across the United States today, four of them fatal.

In Forestdale, Alabama, a 12-year old accidentally shot and killed his mother.  The child initially made up an implausible story but then admitted his role in the shooting. “This offense is a tragedy for the … family and the entire community,” the Sheriff’s Office said.  The legal issues will be addressed in the local Family Court system.

In Macon, Mississippi, a four year-old was accidentally shot and killed. There is an ongoing investigation and minimal details have been reported.

 In Arlington, Texas, a teenager was killed by a shotgun blast while hanging out with some friends.  One of the boys friends was handling the shotgun when it discharged. There is an ongoing investigation.

 A Baltimore, Maryland 15-year old was shot and killed as an innocent bystander in a local housing development.  Police are investigating, but have no suspects.

And in Hialeah, Florida, a three-year old picked up his father’s gun off a bathroom counter and shot himself in the head. The boy’s father, Orlando Guzman, drove him to the hospital and the toddler is expected to survive.  After Guzman was arrested on a charge of negligence, his public defender told the court, “[t]he alleged firearm was immediately adjacent to Mr. Guzman … I believe that in closing the bathroom door, Mr. Guzman was not allowing anyone else to enter, and then the child, it could be said, illegally entered to obtain that firearm.”

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