Two Children Killed in Gun Accidents

In Berkeley, Missouri, 7-year-old Darnell Macon found a loaded gun in his grandfather’s truck and shot and killed himself. His grandfather, 45-year-old Walter Macon, was loading studio recording equipment into his truck when he allowed Darnell into the backseat and told him to climb into the front seat. The child was left alone in the truck and found his grandfather’s loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun between the driver’s seat and the center console. Macon has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child resulting in death and armed criminal action. “We have a gun problem in this country, and we need to address it yesterday,” said the county prosecutor in a statement.

And in Snyder, Texas, 13-year-old Cason Hines was killed in a gun accident. Cason’s father is a firefighter with over 10 years of service to the local fire department. In a published statement, the Snyder Professional Firefighters Association asked that the community “pray for [Cason’s] family as they move through this unimaginable loss, and to please refrain from any social media posts at this time.”  No further information is available, including any details about the accident.

Sources:

Jennifer Somers, “Man Charged in 7-year-old Grandson’s Accidental Shooting Death,” ksdk.com (August 8, 2023).

Erica Garner, “13-year-old Son of Snyder Firefighter Killed in ‘Firearms Accident’,” everythinglubbock.com (August 8, 2023).

James Bouligny, “Snyder Firefighter Loses Young Son to Firearm Accident,” sanangelolive.com (August 8, 2023).