Eight-year-olds in Texas and Illinois were unintentionally shot and killed by young family members who were handling guns today.

In Houston, Texas, an eight-year-old boy was unintentionally shot and killed by his 10-year-old sister who was handling a loaded shotgun.  The family is believed to have recently moved to the Houston area from Venezuela. A local sheriff said this “preventable” situation is an unfortunate reminder of what can happen when guns aren’t safely stored.

In Chicago, eight-year-old Jaiden Hines was shot and killed by a 17-year-old relative who was handling a gun that he believed to be unloaded. “There was no evidence the shooting was intentional, police said, and the relative was released from custody without being charged.” A local community activist said Jaiden was “a fun little guy and they’re going to miss him.”

Sources:

Daniela Hurtado, “8-year-old Accidentally Shot, Killed by Sibling Who Was Playing With Gun, Harris County Deputies Say,” ABC 13 (October 24, 2022).

Tom Schuba, “8-year-old Boy Accidentally Shot Dead by Relative, Police Say,” Chicago Sun Times (October 25, 2022).